Arkansas PRSA Announces 2026 Prism Recipients
Arkansas PRSA Announces 2026 Prism Recipients
The Peacock Group earns Bob Sells Best of Show; Crystal and Diamond Award recipients honored
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (Sept. 18, 2026) – The Arkansas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) hosted its annual Prism Awards honoring exceptional public relations programs from the past year and the work of practitioners, companies and organizations across the state. Held Thursday, Sept. 17, at Next Level Events, the 2026 event was emceed by THV anchor Ashley King.
As part of the evening’s recognitions, Arkansas PRSA honored recipients of the 2026 Diamond and Crystal Awards, celebrating individuals whose careers and leadership made a lasting impact on the public relations profession and the state of Arkansas.
The Crystal Award, PRSA Arkansas’s highest individual honor, recognized Heather Haywood, APR for her distinguished professional achievement, exceptional service to the PRSA Arkansas chapter and lasting commitment to advancing the public relations profession.
The Diamond Award recognizes leaders outside of the public relations profession. Natural State Media CEO Roby Brock and Arkansas Symphony Orchestra CEO Christina Littlejohn were honored for their significant contributions to communications and public understanding in Arkansas.
The evening also included a special recognition for Kristen Nicholson, APR, who was named one of PRSA National’s inaugural Women of Impact Award recipients in the Social Influencer category.
The evening’s top honor, the Bob Sells Best of Show Award, was presented to The Peacock Group for the Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health Legislative Luncheon and White Paper release. The award, named in memory of PRSA Arkansas legend Bob Sells, recognizes the highest-scoring campaign among all multi-element entries.
“The Prism Awards are always one of my favorite evenings of the year because we get to come together and celebrate the creativity, hard work and impact of our peers and organizations from across the state,” said Allyson Pittman Gattin, APR, chair of the 2026 Prism Awards. “This year was especially meaningful as we also had the opportunity to recognize four individuals whose leadership and contributions are making a lasting impact on our profession and on Arkansas. It was a wonderful night to celebrate the people and work that continue to move our industry forward.”
This year PRSA Arkansas received 94 entries across the multi-element and single-element categories. Every entry was evaluated by independent judges from the PRSA Puget Sound chapter, and entries had to earn a score of 70 to qualify as a finalist.
2026 PRSA ARKANSAS PRISM AWARD WINNERS:
MULTI-ELEMENT PROGRAMS
Community Relations
The Peacock Group: Doula Alliance of Arkansas - World Doula Week
Content Marketing
Arkansas Heart Hospital in Collaboration with The Peacock Group: Arkansas Heart Hospital Heart-Healthy Food Guides
Crisis Communications
The Peacock Group: Arkansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics - Responding to Federal Vaccine Changes and Whooping Cough
Institutional Programs
The Peacock Group: Lexicon Steel Day 2025
Internal Communications
Women’s Foundation of Arkansas in Collaboration with The Peacock Group: Confronting the Chilling Effect on Women-Focused Funding
Marketing Communications
The Communications Group: ABB Thought Leadership Campaign
Multicultural Public Relations
Ghidotti Communications: Catholic High School for Boys - Hispanic Admissions Campaign
Other Public Relations
mhp.si: Communications that Multiply Impact
Public Affairs
The Peacock Group: Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health Legislative Luncheon and White Paper Release
PR on a Shoestring Budget
The Communications Group: Burnham Woods: A Reimagined Girl-Centered STEAM and Outdoor Learning Space
Public Service
The Communications Group: Building Brighter Futures, One Account at a Time
Reputation / Brand Management
Ghidotti Communications: The Rotary Club of Little Rock - “Building Arkansas” Year
Special Events and Observances, Less Than 7 Days
The Peacock Group: Arkansas Center for Women & Infants’ Health + Arkansas Hospital Association - Maternal Health Roundtable
Special Events and Observances, More Than 7 Days
The Peacock Group: Every Mother Counts - U.S. Maternal Health Press Fellowship
SINGLE ELEMENT PROGRAMS
Advertising Support
Ghidotti Communications: Catholic High School for Boys - Hispanic Admissions Campaign
Creative Tactics
Ghidotti Communications: Rx Reform Now Mailer Campaign
Feature/News Writing
Ghidotti Communications: Tennessee Pharmacists Association - FAIR Rx Act Op-Ed
Media Relations
Ghidotti Communications: Tennessee Pharmacists Association - FAIR Rx Act
Multimedia
Garver: Lumitracker PWX Pitch Video
Periodicals
Arkansas Economic Development Commission in Collaboration with mhp.si: Arkansas Economic Development Alert
Promotional Printed Pieces
The Peacock Group: Arkansas Heart Hospital Heart-Healthy Food Guides
Public Service Announcements
Garver: Lumitracker PSA
Social Media and Influencers
Braswell & Son in Collaboration with mhp.si: The Perfect Match: Local Influence into Measurable Retail Growth
Event sponsors included: Presenting Sponsor: Mitchell Williams Law Firm; Table Sponsors: mhp.si, Garver and UA Little Rock; Bob Sells Best of Show Sponsor: The Peacock Group; Contributor Sponsor: Stone Bank; and Print Sponsor: BFC Print.
About Arkansas PRSA
The Arkansas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is dedicated to developing and enriching the professional lives of public relations practitioners. The chapter seeks to build an understanding and support for public relations throughout the business community and within the academic community for future practitioners. From monthly meetings and professional development seminars to awards competitions and promotion of the profession, the chapter provides opportunities to enhance professional growth and networking throughout the year.
