PRSA Nashville Celebrates 40th Annual Parthenon Awards

📷 EVENT PHOTOS (Photo credit: Don Claussen/Trap the Light Photography)

Once again this year, PRSA Nashville celebrated the very best in Middle Tennessee public relations and communications with the 40th annual Parthenon Awards on Aug. 20. The milestone event was presented by BNA® at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel and hosted by NewsChannel 5’s Heather Mathis and Cole Johnson.

Nearly 100 awards were bestowed upon agencies, companies, and individuals for their outstanding achievements. These included 39 Parthenon Awards and 46 Awards of Merit for strategic PR campaigns and tactics, six organizational awards, and the prestigious Best of Show award for a project receiving a perfect score. PRSA Nashville received 239 entries in more than 40 categories ranging from media relations, integrated communications and issues management to events and observances, social media, publications and more. Entries were judged by a sister PRSA chapter and awards were given based on scoring thresholds for each tier (Parthenon Awards, Awards of Merit).

Additionally, the event honored five individuals with awards of excellence, four members who earned accreditation in public relations, and this year’s PRSA Nashville scholarship recipient.

PRSA Nashville is a chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S. and internationally. The Nashville chapter includes more than 200 members working in a wide array of industries and representing PR agencies, in-house roles, and self-employed professionals. 

“As public relations professionals, we strive for excellence in all we do. It’s important that we celebrate our successes among peers,” said PRSA Nashville President Jared Porter, APR. “For 40 years, that’s what the Parthenon Awards have been all about. We proudly continue that tradition in 2026 as a community of colleagues. In doing so, we inspire one another with the creativity, expertise and teamwork that make it all possible. Congratulations to all who took home honors at this year’s event! Your work is making an impact.”

 

BEST OF SHOW
FINN Partners: AOPO & DCIDS: From Hit Piece to Heroic Cover Story

ORGANIZATIONAL AWARDS: Best-in-Class Agencies, Teams, or Initiatives

• Best Large Agency: FINN Partners
• Best Small Agency: McNeely Brockman Public Relations
• Best Boutique Agency: Pierce Public Relations
• Best AI Integration and Digital Innovations – Agency: Imperium Public Strategies
• Best AI Integration and Digital Innovations – In-House: Belmont University
• Best University PR Program – Undergraduate: Belmont University Department of Public Relations

PROGRAM AWARDS: Best Strategic Communications Campaigns

COMMUNITY RELATIONS: 

• Parthenon Award: TVA Earns Public Trust Through Douglas Lake Cleanup (Tennessee Valley Authority)
• Award of Merit: CSX Santa Train 2025: Keeping Holiday Cheer on Track (McNeely Brockman Public Relations)

CONTENT MARKETING:

• Award of Merit: Building Trust in AI: How Anyline Earned Credibility (Tiny Mighty Communications) 
• Award of Merit: See What’s Possible at MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University)

EVENTS & OBSERVANCES (More Than 7 Days): 

• Parthenon Award: Opry 100: From Rhinestones to Royalty (FINN Partners) 
• Award of Merit: Thanks for the Drive: Pilot Spotlights Truckers (Pilot Travel Centers & FINN Partners) 
• Award of Merit: Ten Days at The Nashville Fair (McNeely Brockman Public Relations) 
• Award of Merit: James Beard Foundation Taste America 2025 Tasting (Parthenon PR) 

EVENTS & OBSERVANCES (7 or Fewer Days): 

• Parthenon Award: Blizzak 6 and Ascent Put to the Test in Colorado (Bridgestone & FINN Partners) 
• Parthenon Award: BNA® & Southwest Showcase Network Partnership (Nashville International Airport®) 
• Parthenon Award: Rooted in Community: Painted Tree Closure (Williamson, Inc.)
• Parthenon Award: Father Ryan High School’s 2025 Legacy Gala (Burgundy Group Advertising) 
• Award of Merit: Firestone’s Race to Road Experience Fuels UHP Growth (Bridgestone & FINN Partners) 
• Award of Merit: “Jack’s Garage” Breaks Through at F1 Grand Prix (Jack Daniel’s & FINN Partners) 
• Award of Merit: CSX Santa Train 2025: Keeping Holiday Cheer on Track (McNeely Brockman Public Relations) 
• Award of Merit: Seven Days to Kickoff: Nashville’s Premier Bowl Week (REED) 
• Award of Merit: TVA’s Douglas Lake Community Day of Service (Tennessee Valley Authority) 
• Award of Merit: BCBH Event Kicks Off Global Brain Health Movement (FINN Partners) 

INFLUENCER MARKETING:

• Award of Merit: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry Goes Viral (FINN Partners) 

INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS:

• Parthenon Award: Beyond Crisis: Future-Proofing Apeel’s Reputation (Imperium Public Strategies) 
• Parthenon Award: Jack Daniel’s TN Blackberry Disrupts the Category (FINN Partners) 
• Parthenon Award: Opry 100: From Rhinestones to Royalty (FINN Partners) 
• Parthenon Award: Introducing Variety with Jack & Coke Flavors Pack (Jack Daniel’s & FINN Partners)
• Award of Merit: Tennessee Insurance for Tennessee Life (MP+F)
• Award of Merit: A Global Coatings Leader Claims Category Voice (Tiny Mighty Communications) 
• Award of Merit: Lifestyle by Design: PulteGroup’s Dual Market Plan (REED)
• Award of Merit: Nashville Yards Hosts the Holidays (Stones River Group) 
• Award of Merit: Publicity for Good (Publicity for Good) 
• Award of Merit: TDOT’s Nobody Trashes TN’s 5th Annual No Trash November (Gray Public Relations) 
• Award of Merit: NDOT TRASHLEY: DON’T BE TRASHLEY, NASHVILLE (MP+F)

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS:

• Award of Merit: Pets of Jackson Calendar (Jackson)

ISSUES MANAGEMENT:

• Parthenon Award: SAVE THE BOULEVARD: How FOBMB Secured a Legacy (Friends of Belle Meade Blvd. & FINN Partners) 

MARKETING:

• Parthenon Award: Making Dippin’ Dots the Hero Brand of Ice Cream Day (FINN Partners) 

CLIMATE ACTION & ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY:

• Award of Merit: TVA EARNS PUBLIC TRUST THROUGH DOUGLAS LAKE CLEANUP (Tennessee Valley Authority)
• Award of Merit: Compost Nashville: Turning Waste into Treasure (REED) 

CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP:

• Parthenon Award: Restoring Facts in the Fight for Sustainable Food (Imperium Public Strategies) 
• Parthenon Award: CSX Santa Train 2025: Keeping Holiday Cheer on Track (McNeely Brockman Public Relations) 

PUBLIC AFFAIRS:

• Parthenon Award: Generating Support for Public Charter Schools in TN (Stones River Group) 

PUBLIC SERVICE:

• Parthenon Award: Generating Support for Public Education Options (Stones River Group)
• Award of Merit: Amplifying Impact: Urban League of Middle Tennessee (FINN Partners) 

REPUTATION/BRAND MANAGEMENT:

• Parthenon Award: Tariff Turmoil: GEODIS Provides Clarity in Chaos (FINN Partners)
• Parthenon Award: Amplifying Impact: Urban League of Middle Tennessee (FINN Partners)
• Award of Merit: Scaling growth while preserving trust (Pierce Public Relations)

PROJECT AWARDS: Outstanding Communications Tactics

PAID PROMOTONS:

• Parthenon Award: “My TEA”: Tennessee Educators Beyond the Classroom (McNeely Brockman Public Relations) 
• Award of Merit: One Day You’ll Get the Chance to Transfer to MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University)

MEDIA RELATIONS – Business:

• Parthenon Award: Making Dippin’ Dots the Hero Brand of Ice Cream Day (FINN Partners) 
• Parthenon Award: Jack Daniel’s Introduces Tanyard Hill (FINN Partners) 
• Parthenon Award: Truck Stop to TODAY: Pilot’s National Coffee Day (Pilot Travel Centers & FINN Partners) 
• Parthenon Award: Making Tractor Supply’s Apparel Business a Headline (FINN Partners)
• Parthenon Award: Opry 100: From Rhinestones to Royalty (FINN Partners) 
• Parthenon Award: Blizzak 6 and Ascent Put to the Test in Colorado (Bridgestone & FINN Partners) 
• Parthenon Award: Firestone’s Race to Road Experience Fuels UHP Growth (Bridgestone & FINN Partners) 
• Award of Merit: Sparking Coverage for Global Coatings Leader (Tiny Mighty Communications) 
• Award of Merit: Building Trust in AI: How Anyline Earned Credibility (Tiny Mighty Communications)
• Award of Merit: Jack Daniel’s TN Blackberry Disrupts the Category (FINN Partners) 

MEDIA RELATIONS – Government:

• Award of Merit: Ten Days at The Nashville Fair (McNeely Brockman Public Relations) 
• Award of Merit: TDOT’s Nobody Trashes TN’s 5th Annual No Trash November (Gray Public Relations)

MEDIA RELATIONS – Associations:

• Parthenon Award: Payment Choice Coalition Securing Right to Use Cash (FINN Partners) 

MEDIA RELATIONS – Nonprofit Organizations:

• Parthenon Award: Positioning Blakeford Senior Life as Trendsetters (REED)
• Parthenon Award: AOPO & DCIDS: From Hit Piece to Heroic Cover Story (FINN Partners) 
• Award of Merit: TDS: First Responder Saves Lives After Death (FINN Partners) 
• Award of Merit: Partnering in Empowerment: Memphis Medical District (Meharry, The BLVD & FINN Partners) 

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:

• Award of Merit: Local Interior Design Studio Ushers in a New Era (REED) 
• Award of Merit: Co-Founder to Tech Thought Leader: Elevating a CEO (The Dalton Agency) 

SOCIAL MEDIA – Multichannel Use:

• Award of Merit: BNA® “Summer of 100”: Celebrating 100+ Nonstops (Nashville International Airport®) 

SOCIAL MEDIA – Single Channel Use:

• Parthenon Award: Gas Station to Destination: A Social Evolution (REED) 
• Award of Merit: Ask the Expert: Pharma Facility Coatings Series (Tiny Mighty Communications)

NON-TRADITIONAL TACTICS:

• Award of Merit: Tractor Supply Brings Life Out Here to Washington DC (FINN Partners)
• Award of Merit: SAVE THE BOULEVARD: How FOBMB Secured a Legacy (Friends of Belle Meade Blvd. & FINN Partners) 

ANNUAL REPORTS:

• Parthenon Award: BNA® Brings its Annual Report to Life (Nashville International Airport®) 

MAGAZINES:

• Award of Merit: Father Ryan High School Irish Ayes Alumni Magazine (Burgundy Group Advertising) 

NEWSLETTERS:

• Parthenon Award: Music City Baseball’s Weekly Advocacy E-Newsletters (Burgundy Group Advertising) 

SINGLE-ISSUE PUBLICATIONS:

• Parthenon Award: The State of Fireproofing: An Industry Report (Tiny Mighty Communications) 
• Award of Merit: Pets of Jackson Calendar (Jackson)

VIDEOS:

• Award of Merit: BNA®: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (Nashville International Airport®)

BRANDED CONTENT:

• Parthenon Award: Urban League Live (FINN Partners) 

DATA INSIGHTS:

• Parthenon Award: One GDM: Assessing Culture Amid Change (Tiny Mighty Communications) 
• Parthenon Award: A Strategic Edge in Data Center Coatings (Tiny Mighty Communications)

WRITING – News Releases:

• Parthenon Award: 2025 Music City Bowl: Narrative of a Nashville Win (REED)

WRITING – Bylined Article:

• Parthenon Award: A Better Blueprint for Federal Efficiency (The Dalton Agency) 

WRITING – Feature Writing:

• Award of Merit: Agent of Next (Middle Tennessee State University)

WRITING – Technical Writing:

• Award of Merit: How Fiber Optics Are Reshaping Mil/Aero Connectivity (The Dalton Agency) 

WRITING – Speeches/Scripts:

• Award of Merit: A True Tennessee Story / TNECD Brand Announcement (MP+F)

STUDENT ENTRIES:

• Parthenon Award: “PiLATTES”: A Campaign with Prickly Pear Coffee Co. (Belmont University PR Campaigns Students)
• Award of Merit: Nicky’s Coal Fired: 10 Years of Good, Better, Best (Belmont University PR Campaigns Students)

• Hercules Award (Career Pinnacle): Amy Seigenthaler, Managing Partner, FINN Partners Southeast and FINN Ireland
• Mercury Award (Rising Star): Liann Cates, Communications Manager, Digital Transformation and Innovation Team, HCA
• Themis Award (Ethical Excellence): Meredith Libbey, APR, Fellow PRSA, Communications Manager, Ford Motor Credit
• Apollo Award (Communications Excellence): Chris Jones, President & CEO, Middle Tennessee Electric
• Olympus Award (PRSA Nashville Leadership): Tyler Nelson, 2025 Chapter President

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Aileen Katcher, APR, Fellow PRSA, in recognition of her many years of service, leadership, and mentorship that have immeasurably benefited our chapter and our profession

• Michelle Newell, APR 
• Brendalyn Carpenter Player, APR
• Carol Pipes, APR
• Devin Stone, APR

CERTIFICATE IN PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Angelina Sinacola, December 2025 graduate of Belmont University 
• Grace Lappenga, May 2026 graduate of Belmont University

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About PRSA Nashville
PRSA Nashville, a chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, is a professional organization of more than 200 PR and communications professionals across Middle Tennessee. They represent a wide array of industries and specialties including corporate communications, agencies, government, associations, hospitals, colleges and universities, and nonprofits. The chapter was founded in 1957 to provide communications professionals with opportunities to enhance their professional skills and expand their circle of professional contacts. Learn more at prsanashville.com.

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