PRSA Appoints Two Senior Counsel to the 2026 Board; Honors Black History Month
February 2026
PRSA has selected Patricia “Reace” Alvarenga Smith, APR, and Jeff Wilson, APR, as senior counsel and 2026 Board of Directors members.
The Board approved the selections based on the recommendation of 2026 Chair Heide Harrell, M.A., APR.
“Reace and Jeff are respected, trusted leaders in our profession, and their perspectives will be a tremendous asset to both the Board and PRSA as a whole,” said Harrell. “They bring decades of experience, a deep commitment to ethical, strategic communications, and a strong understanding of what our members need today and in the future. Their counsel will help strengthen our decision-making and support PRSA’s continued growth and relevance.”
Alvarenga Smith has been a PRSA member since 1998, following her involvement in PRSSA. She currently serves as associate vice president, communications & PR at AT&T, where she leads strategic communications initiatives for the organization.
With more than 25 years of experience in communications, Jeff Wilson, APR, serves as senior vice president, Corporate Strategic Advisory Group at Padilla, leading the agency’s Social Impact Consultancy. He also leads Padilla’s internal inclusion and belonging initiatives and corporate social responsibility program.
Senior Counsel is a nonvoting position on PRSA’s 19-member Board of Directors and serves a one-year term.
Honoring the Legacy of Longtime PRSA Leader Dave Rickey, APR
Meg Burton, APR, vice president of communications and media production at Brasfield & Gorrie, has been named the recipient of Alabama PRSA’s Dave Rickey Public Relations Professional of the Year Award. The honor recognizes a communications professional whose leadership reflects both strategic excellence and a deep commitment to people.
The Chapter recently renamed the award in honor of the late Dave Rickey, APR, reflecting his lasting impact on Alabama PRSA and the profession at large. Chapter leaders described the decision to add Rickey’s name as a natural one, citing his decades of service and influence within PRSA locally and nationally.
In her acceptance remarks made during Alabama PRSA’s annual awards event in January, Burton spoke about Rickey’s influence on her life and career, noting that he was a mentor whose guidance and example helped shape her professional journey. The moment was especially meaningful, as Rickey’s wife, Lisa, his sister, and two of his children, Nicole Smith and Wes Rickey, were in attendance.
Rickey served as secretary on the PRSA Board of Directors, chair of the PRSA Board of Ethics and Professional Standards, and chair of the Corporate Communications Section. He was also co-chair of the 2003 International Conference (ICON) in New Orleans. In 2020, he received PRSA’s Patrick Jackson Award for Distinguished Service.
Rickey passed away on Aug. 13, 2025, at the age of 69.
Celebrating Black History Month
In February, PRSA recognizes Black History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans who have shaped the nation — and the public relations and communications profession.
In 2026, Black History Month marks its 100th year, tracing back to Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s 1926 initiative, which began as a week-long commemoration and grew into a national observance.
To honor this milestone, PRSA’s Black Voices Affinity Group will present a three-part program series reflecting the full leadership continuum in communications — from C-suite leaders to emerging professionals shaping what’s next.
PRSA will also share Black History Month and DEI resources, including webinars, toolkits and editorial content.
Entering the 2026 Anvils
Feb. 12 is the final deadline to enter the 2026 Anvils, celebrating their 82nd anniversary this year.
The Anvil Awards define the standard for communications excellence. Don’t miss the opportunity to set your organization apart and join the icons of the communications profession.
Check out the award categories at the PRSA website and save the date for the Anvil Awards Ceremony on May 14 in New York City.
