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Rachel Spencer and Jen Ward were awarded by the local chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.Ward was given the 2011 Sparky Award and Spencer received the Illuminator Award.

Here is the press release from the PRSA.

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA –Local public relations professionals Rachel Spencer and Jen Ward were recognized December 8, for their commitment and service to the local chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Both are active members of the Blue Ridge Chapter of PRSA.

Jen Ward

Sparky Award – Jen K. Ward
The 2011 Sparky Award was presented to Jen K. Ward, principal, Blue Filly Productions. This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies what it really means to be an active member of the chapter. Ward, a member since 2007, has served as the hospitality chair since June 2010. She is also a member of the awards/gala committee and is regularly recruited to help several different committees in various ways each year. As the hospitality chair, Ward manages the logistics for all eight of the chapter’s annual events, including six bi‐monthly professional development luncheons. A skilled graphic designer, Ward often donates her time and talent to help produce collateral materials for the chapter aswell.
“I’m so glad we’ve managed to talk Jen into staying on in both of her positions for at least another year. She really is a shining star in our chapter,” said chapter President Laura L. Neff-Henderson, APR. “I know she will continue to be a huge asset to the chapter.”
In addition to running her own marketing, graphic design and public relations company, Ward is the president of the Botetourt County Horseman’s Association, a position she has held since 2006. She previously worked as the director of marketing and communications for the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council and was appointed to the national Marketing and Communications board for Girl Scouts of the USA. She is a monthly columnist with Bella Magazine asThe Blue Suit Mommy.

Rachel Spencer

Illuminator Award ‐ Rachel Spencer
The 2011 Illuminator Award was presented to Rachel Spencer, a senior account manager, with Access Advertising & Public Relations. The Illuminator Award is given to a member of the chapter who is a bright spot in the group; someone who lights up the organization with their
positive attitude and manycontributions. Spencer, who has been a member of the Blue Ridge Chapter since 2008, served as a director at large, as well as the social chair and a member of the awards/gala committee this year. Always available to help, Spencer radiates creativity and enthusiasm.
“I’m very pleased that we are lucky to be keeping her in both roles and I look forward to seeing what she brings to the table as she takes on her new role as our public service chair,” said Neff‐Henderson.
Spencer joined Access in 2007 and manages the public relations team. Prior to joining Access, she held positions as a technical writer, a public relations fellow at a Washington, D.C.‐based PR firm, and a media relations specialist with the American Diabetes Association national office inAlexandria, Va. She is a member of the board of directors for the Council of Community Services.
PRSA is the world’s largest association of public relations professionals. Since 1992, the Blue Ridge Chapter, serving Central and Southwest Virginia public relations practitioners, has strived to bring professionals together to enhance the practice, provide an exchange of experiences and ideals, and promote professional development. For more information on local programs, visit our website at www.prsa‐blueridge.org or contact chapter president, Laura L. Neff-Henderson, APR via email lhenderson@tippingpointcom.com or phone, 384-1552.