“Winning this award marks a significant transition in my career – a time when I first started to understand the difference between tactical public relations and strategic public relations that delivers results. To be recognized by my peers – my mentors – is one of the greatest honors of my career; it’s a recognition I hold dearly and strive to live up to every day.” -Heather Danenhower, APR, CPRC, Recipient of the first Communicator of the Year Award in 2005
Established in 2005 and renamed in 2011, the Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year Awards recognize individuals and institutions who have demonstrated excellence in strategic communications to improve the quality of life in Marion County. Candidates do not have to be members of FPRA but must exemplify the highest professional standards in the communications field. Candidates may include journalists, educators, community/civic leaders, and professionals from allied fields, including advertising and marketing.
Past Recipients:
| Year | Individual Recipient | Lifetime Achievement Recipient | Institutional Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Tammy Gantt | Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC | 352TODAY |
| 2023 | Tom James | Marion County Supervisor of Elections | |
| 2022 | Joe Byrnes | The Free the Ocklawaha River Coalition | |
| 2021 | Lauren DeIorio | Buddy Martin | Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership |
| 2019 | Jacob Fields | Heart of Florida Health Center | |
| 2018 | Jim Ross | Toni James, APR, CPRC | Mojo Grill & Catering |
| 2017 | Dr. Manal Fakhoury | David Cook | Heart of FL Health Center’s Measure Up Marion Project |
| 2016 | Dave Schlenker | Silver Springs International Film Festival | |
| 2015 | Lisa Varner, APR, CPRC | Transitions Life Center | |
| 2014 | Laura Byrnes, APR,CPRC | Hospice of Marion County | |
| 2013 | Pamela Calero | Marion County Public Library System | |
| 2012 | Mandy Wettstein, APR,CPRC | Munroe Regional Medical Center | |
| 2011 | Buddy Martin | Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce | |
| 2010 | Brad Rogers | Workforce Connection | |
| 2009 | Allison Campbell, APR, CPRC | Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation | |
| 2008 | Dr. Charles Dassance | Marion County Fire Rescue | |
| 2007 | Tina Banner, APR, CPRC | Marion County Public Schools | |
| 2006 | Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC | Ocala Style magazine | |
| 2005 | Heather Danenhower, APR, CPRC | Ocala Star Banner |