Ocala, FL (AUG. 28, 2025) – The Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Ocala Chapter celebrated excellence in communications at its Annual Awards Banquet and Gala on Friday, Aug. 22, at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. The signature event recognized chapter members for outstanding achievements, honored leaders who advanced the profession, and installed the 2025-2026 chapter board.
Guests enjoyed an elegant evening of fine dining and recognition, as outgoing president Greg Davis reflected on a year of professional growth and milestone accomplishments for the chapter.
Recognizing Excellence
Several members were recognized for earning professional credentials and state honors, including Devon Chestnut, APR, CPRC; Lauren Debick, APR, CPRC; Kristina Donohue, APR, CPRC; Tom Hyle; and Danielle Veenstra. Members serving on state boards were also acknowledged for their leadership: Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC; Lindsay Tozer; and Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC.
Chapter awards presented during the evening included:
- Inaugural Speaker of the Year Award: Joel Staley, Founder/CEO of JCS Communications, LLC, for his session “How to Media Train the C-Suite.”
- Individual Communicator of the Year Award: Rachel Cote, APR, College of Central Florida, for her leadership in launching the college’s five-year Quality Enhancement Plan and modernizing communication automation systems, while also achieving Accreditation in Public Relations.
- Institutional Communicator of the Year Award: Digital Fury, owned by Marc Rice, for innovative video production work supporting HCA Florida Healthcare and the College of Central Florida.
- Toni James, APR, CPRC PACEsetter of the Year Award: Danielle Veenstra for her steadfast support of the FPRA Ocala Chapter and agile competency in communication across a variety of leadership roles within the organization.
Passing the Torch
The evening concluded with the installation of the 2025-2026 FPRA Ocala Chapter Board of Directors by past state president Julie Frey, APR, CPRC. The new board includes:
- President: Kristina Donohue, APR, CPRC
- Immediate Past President: Greg Davis
- Treasurer: Jessica Heller
- Vice President of Communications: Tom Hyle
- Vice President of Membership: Wendy Williams
- Vice President of Credentialing: Lauren Debick, APR, CPRC
- Vice Presidents of Programs: Dr. Allison Campbell, APR, CPRC, and Lisa Varner, APR, CPRC
“Each year, our awards gala not only celebrates individual and organizational achievements but also highlights the strength of our local communications community,” said incoming chapter president Kristina Donohue, APR, CPRC. “We look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.”
About FPRA Ocala Chapter
The Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to advancing the profession of public relations and enhancing the professional development of its members. The Ocala Chapter represents a diverse group of communications professionals committed to driving excellence in strategic communication throughout Marion County and beyond.