The Public Relations Society of America Detroit Chapter enshrined Franco CEO Tina Kozak into its Hall of Fame on Nov. 20 during the organization’s Annual Meeting & Celebration at the Wayne State University Center Ballroom.
Kozak was recognized for her “significant contribution to the profession.”
Sharon Garcia, vice president of marketing and communications at Downtown Detroit Partnership and past president of PRSA Detroit (2021), was bestowed with The Robert Hefty Distinguished Service Award for her longtime dedication to chapter. Additionally, Georgie Kirsten, head of corporate communications at Freudenberg Chemical Specialities and current PRSA Detroit board member, received The Nancy Skidmore Distinguished Service Award for her commitment to the Chapter.
The chapter also honored recipients of the following categories in the Best in PRSA Detroit Awards, which recognize preeminent campaigns and individuals in the wider region regardless of membership status. Honorees include:
- Gabriella Burman, director of communications at The Zekelman Holocaust Center, Best in Media Relations.
- Nikki Little, chief marketing officer at Franco, Best in Overall PR Campaign Award for Franco’s 60th anniversary campaign.
- Kristin Sokul, senior director of advancement: communications, marketing and media/PR at Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Best Seasoned Professional Award.
- Sydney Jackson, communications specialist II at Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Best New Professional Award.
- Colleen Lafferty, owner at Maiorana+Partners and visiting professor at Oakland University, received the award for Best In PR For Good for her work with GRIZZ Recovery at Oakland University.
Karen Couf Cohen, principal of Karen Couf Cohen Public Relations and Jessica Stilger, director of communications at the Berkley School District, were honored for earning their Accreditation in Public Relations designation from the Universal Accreditation Board this year.
The 2026 PRSA Detroit Board and officers also were elected, with the passing of the gavel from Megan Bonelli, 2025 president, to Antonice Strickland, the chapter’s anticipated 2026 president. PRSA Detroit 2026 executive officers will include vice president Jeff Adkins, treasurer Rachel LePoudre, and secretary Chrystal Wilson.
