Distinction marks more than three decades of service to the public relations community in Oregon
Following a rigorous judging process, the Oregon chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is proud to announce that John Mitchell, APR, Fellow PRSA, has been awarded the William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award for 2017.
Named for one of the foremost figures in the history of the profession in the state of Oregon, this award is given to a PRSA Oregon Chapter member who has invested significantly in developing public relations as a credible profession, accomplishing landmark professional achievements and furthering the goals of PRSA.
A lifetime Duck, Mitchell has served the public relations community as an instructor at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communications for more than 30 years. For much of that time, he has invested additional time outside of his regular class load to serve as an advisor to student-run organizations such as the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America).
In addition to his teaching, Mitchell established an exceptional reputation in the public works sector, supporting strategic communications for the Eugene Water and Electric Board. At his retirement from EWEB, Mitchell held the distinction of serving as the longest tenured communications team member in the organization’s 100-year history.
Mitchell has also been a dynamic force for change and development within PRSA as an organization. He has served as a senior leader within the governance of the PRSAGreater Oregon Chapter for many years, including regular board service (the PRSAPortland, PRSA Oregon Capitol and PRSA Greater Oregon chapters merged under the PRSA Oregon umbrella earlier this year). He has also helped raise the voice of Oregon’s PR community to a regional level while serving as the North Pacific District Chair, and the national level where has represented the state as a delegate at the organization’s National Assembly.
“The William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award is really the pinnacle for the members of our chapter,” said Colby Reade, APR, PRSA Oregon President. “If you look back at the history of this award and some of the names that have been recognized, you can see that this honor is only presented to those in our profession who show up every day, focus on setting an ideal example for how a communications professional should operate, but also look for ways they can grow the profession, help their peers and aid young professionals in their growth.
“John Mitchell epitomizes what this award stands for. He has worked tirelessly for decades to advance the image of what a stellar public relations professional should be and has modeled that for countless students who have come through his classroom. Our chapter, our profession and our community are far stronger today because of his contributions and we are proud to have him as a member.”
Mitchell will be formally presented with the honor at the PRSA Oregon Spotlight Award ceremony on October 20 at the Willamette Valley Country Club. For ceremony and ticket information, please visit PRSA Oregon.