2025 Mercury Awards

PRSA Greater Connecticut Chapter Celebrates the State’s Top Communications Professionals

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The Public Relations Society of America Greater Connecticut Chapter (PRSA CT) announced the winners of its 2025 Mercury Awards, honoring excellence in public relations and communications across the state.

This year’s Mercury Awards recognized 11 organizations for outstanding achievement in strategic and tactical communications. In addition, PRSA CT honored two distinguished leaders for their exceptional contributions to the profession:

Practitioner of the Year: Derek Beere, Vice President and Director of Public Relations at Mason. With 20 years of experience, Beere is recognized for his expertise in integrated marketing communications and his ability to help organizations make a positive impact through strategy and creativity.
Beacon Award: Kyle Kramer, CEO of Day Kimball Health. Kramer, who has more than 30 years of experience in health care leadership, is celebrated for his dedication to expanding access to high-quality, patient-centered care in Northeast Connecticut and for addressing the needs of rural communities through advocacy and innovation.

“Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2025 Mercury Awards,” said Katie R. Place, Ph.D., APR, president of PRSA Greater Connecticut. “Each year, we are inspired by the creativity, strategy, and measurable impact demonstrated by Connecticut’s public relations professionals. Their work reflects the strength and significance of our industry statewide.”

Two entries earned the prestigious Best in Show Mercury Awards:

Strategic Campaigns Best in Show: Image Marketing for “The Shops at Evergreen Walk: 20th Anniversary Events” (Events & Observances category)
Tactical Campaigns Best in Show: The Agency at Quinnipiac for “Engaging the Next Generation in Healthy Eating with GoodSAM” (Social Media category)

Entries were evaluated by members of The Agriculture Council PRSA Chapter, with each submission reviewed by two judges. Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors were awarded based on averaged scores across all categories.

The Mercury Awards, Connecticut’s only statewide recognition of excellence in public relations, were hosted by Albertus Magnus College in New Haven and presented during PRSA Greater Connecticut’s annual awards ceremony.