Staff Reports | Community Updates
Nearly 200 of the Valley’s communications and public relations professionals gathered at the Peoria Sports Complex on Oct. 23 for the 2025 Copper Anvil Awards, hosted by the Public Relations Society of America Phoenix chapter.
The annual celebration honors Arizona’s public relations work, recognizing campaigns, tactics and professionals whose creativity and strategy elevate the industry, according to a press release.
Guests enjoyed an evening featuring Italian fare, a raffle that supported student scholarships and an awards program emceed by Allison Rodriguez, morning anchor for 12News’ “Today in AZ.”
Photographer Tida Radevsky captured the night’s highlights as honorees accepted their awards.
“Earning a Copper Anvil award is a milestone for any PR professional,” said Lisa Sass, immediate past president and Copper Anvils chair. “This recognition not only reflects the measurable impact of their work, but also the dedication, innovation and heart that define our industry.”
“This recognition not only reflects the measurable impact of their work, but also the dedication, innovation and heart that define our industry,” Ms. Sass said.
2025 Organizational Award Winners
Up and Comer: Madeleine Williamson, 10 to 1 Public Relations
Recognized for her drive, curiosity and rapid career growth, Ms. Williamson achieved her Accreditation in Public Relations designation and leads multiple client accounts while mentoring peers and advancing industry conversations.
Agency of the Year: Evolve PR & Marketing
Representing more than 100 clients in 30 markets, Evolve was honored for its national-level impact, including features on the “Today” show and leadership on initiatives such as Google Fiber’s Nevada rollout and Arizona’s first Holocaust education center.
Communications Team of the Year: City of Mesa Public Information and Communications Department
This 15-member municipal team was recognized for its results, from more than 3.5 million website visits to 10 million social media impressions, and bilingual campaigns that foster transparency and civic engagement.
2025 Campaigns and Tactics Winners
The PRSA Nashville chapter judged this year’s Copper Anvil entries across 20 categories. Winners include:
- 10 to 1 Public Relations
- Aker Ink PR & Marketing
- Arizona Department of Transportation
- Arizona State University
- Avnet
- Banner Health
- Bospar
- Chicanos Por La Causa
- City of Glendale
- City of Mesa
- City of Phoenix
- City of Tempe
- EdPlus at Arizona State University
- Evolve PR and Marketing
- Farnell
- Gordon C. James PR
- Heart & Soul Marketing
- HMA Public Relations
- LAVIDGE
- OH Partners
- Proof Publicity
- RIESTER RX
- Rio Salado College
- Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)
- Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen
- Sundt Construction
- The Colibri Collective
- Town of Gilbert
The evening’s highest honor, the Judge’s Award, went to Heart & Soul Marketing for its “Vibrant Arizona Social Extension” integrated communications campaign.
Funds raised during the raffle support student scholarships for members of the Public Relations Student Society of America chapters at Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University.
This year’s scholarship recipients were Rachel Lemons, a senior at Northern Arizona University, and Drew Smith, a graduate student at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
PRSA Phoenix thanks the sponsors who made this year’s event possible: APS, HMA Public Relations, Lane Award Manufacturing, RIESTER, RMG Communications and The Keller Group. The chapter also thanks group members and raffle donors whose support funds professional development and scholarship programs throughout the year.
