2011 PR People Awards – Crisis Manager of the Year

Co-Winner: Dallas Lawrence

Chief Global Digital Strategist, Burson-Marsteller

After the devastating earthquake in Japan earlier this year, the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), with crucial leadership from Burson-Marsteller’s Dallas Lawrence, launched the @NEIupdates Twitter account, the “NEI Nuclear Notes” blog and developed video content within a branded YouTube channel to ensure that NEI would position itself as a credible source on nuclear safety and information. —RD

PR Touchdown:
“Helping to launch the military support initiative America Supports You during my time working at the Pentagon.”

College Attended: UC Berkeley
Favorite Sport to Play: Golf
Favorite Movie: Anchorman
Best Way to Unwind from PR: Cabernet

 

Co-Winner: Cindy Sanders

Regional Director, Public Relations, Wellpoint

When a faulty upgrade to one of the company’s Web sites left some members’ records exposed in 2010, WellPoint faced a major crisis. Cindy Sanders led the communications strategy, developing materials for internal teams to respond to and inform the media after the incident, helping to minimize the impact of this crisis. Her quick response and skilled management resulted in a low volume of coverage and impact to the company’s reputation. —RD

In 2012, PR will:
“Continue to be integral in ensuring a company’s success during the slow economic recovery.”

Favorite Sports Team: Atlanta Braves
Favorite Business City: San Francisco
On Her iPad: HBO Go; a trashy vampire novel
Starbucks or Dunkin? Dunkin’, for the donuts

 

Honorable Mentions:

Jill Allread, Principal, Public Communications Inc: In 2010, a financial crisis threatened to shut down the Howard Brown Health Center—the nation’s largest LGBTQ health service agency. Allread’s guidance helped the center raise more $658,000 dollars in 50 days, surpassing its goal, and keep its doors open.

Dan Macuga, VP of Marketing and PR, USANA Health Sciences: When four top executives left USANA to launch a competing company, Macuga led an initiative to minimize the negative response and protect the company’s reputation. The “Tested. Proven. We are USANA” campaign highlighted the company’s core strengths, rebuilding trust with key stakeholders.

Chris Vary, Senior Vice President, Weber Shandwick: When his client, American Airlines, faced crises that included a plane crash and a bomb threat in 2010, Chris Vary proactively leveraged social media to quickly disseminate information and dispel rumors.

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