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2025 Communicator of the Year
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About this event
Join us as we honor three individuals with the 2025 Communicator of the Year!
The event will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Knoxville.
The Volunteer chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) will recognize Eddie Mannis, the President and CEO of the Prestige companies, as the 2025 Communicator of the Year, Kristen Gallant Bailey with the 2025 Ellen Liston Rising Young Professional Award, and Kiley Fenn as the 2025 Student Communicator of the Year.
Tickets are $35 for PRSA members, $25 for PRSSA student members, and $45 for guests. A table for ten may be purchased for $400. Registration is open until January 7, 2025.
Eddie Mannis is a first- generation entrepreneur having started Prestige Cleaners in 1985 with 3 employees. Today, he continues to serve as the President and CEO of the Prestige companies which include Prestige Cleaners, Prestige Tuxedo and MarKit Brand Outfitters. The Prestige Companies employ over 100 individuals. Mr. Mannis’ companies have been recognized by the US Chamber of Commerce as the Southeastern Region Small Business of the Year. They have also received that Community Leadership Award by the US Chamber of Commerce. Being a serial entrepreneur, in 2023 Mannis launched Wm. Henry Fine Gentlemen’s Clothing, located in Franklin Square.
In 2011, Mr. Mannis took a temporary leave of absence from the private sector to accept an appointment as Knoxville’s first Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Mayor.
In 2007 Mannis founded HonorAir Knoxville. This non-profit organization is 100% volunteer based and is currently serving WWII, Korean and Vietnam War Veterans. Their mission is to provide an experience to veterans by making it possible for them to travel to our Nation’s Capital to visit the memorials built to honor their service. To date, this organization has been honored to serve over 4,000 veterans.
In addition to the many professional accomplishments, Mannis has also achieved several personal accomplishments. He has participated in, served on, or been recognized by the following organizations:
Leadership Knoxville Class 2006
Leadership Tennessee Class of 2015
Past Chair of Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners
Zoo Knoxville Board Chair 2015-2017
Visit Knoxville Board of Directors
Recipient-Community Service Award-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission
Inductee into the East Tennessee Business Hall of Fame 2017
Generations of Service award by The Medal of Honor Society 2015
PBS Person of the Year 2010
FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award
Recognized with Honorary Lifetime Membership-Vietnam Veterans of America
Served in the TN State House of Representatives, in the 112th General Assembly
Ellen Liston Rising Young Professional Award
Kristen Gallant Bailey serves as a Communications Specialist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she has excelled in enhancing audience engagement and cultivating meaningful connections with stakeholders. In the past year, she has developed and executed strategic social media initiatives for the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations and the School of Information Sciences. With a background in multimedia journalism, Mrs. Gallant Bailey is adept at crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. She integrates creativity with precision to elevate communication endeavors and remains dedicated to advancing the university's objectives while making a significant and lasting impact.
Student Communicator of the Year
Kiley Fenn, originally from Annapolis, Maryland, is a junior studying public relations with a minor in business administration. She currently serves as the Director of Public Relations for PRSSA and an Advisory Board and a member of the Communications Committee for a non-profit named CREA, located in Nicaragua. In the past year, she has interned with an advertising agency as an influencer intern and worked with a boating company as their social media manager. She is very interested in account and social media management and plans to continue down that track throughout the next few years.
Registration Info
Registration is required before Tuesday, January 07, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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