Nancy Wiser Received Inaugural PRSA Lifetime Award

The Thoroughbred Chapter of the PRSA honored Nancy Wiser with the inaugural Tom L. Preston Lifetime Achievement Award.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Awards

A modern, brass-finished abstract sculpture sits on a polished wooden table, representing the inaugural PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter achievement award. — Public relations professional Nancy Wiser was honored with the inaugural Tom L. Preston Lifetime Achievement Award by the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter in Lexington. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

On September 24, 2026, the Thoroughbred Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America recognized Nancy Wiser with the inaugural Tom L. Preston Lifetime Achievement Award in Lexington. The new award will be presented annually to honor significant careers in strategic communications.

Why it matters

This award recognizes high standards in professional communication and community impact while preserving the legacy of Tom L. Preston. It highlights the importance of sustained leadership and long-term career contributions within the public relations field.

The Preston Group, founded by Tom L. Preston, established a operational footprint across 42 states. The award is managed by the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter, which operates within a national network of 400 professional and student chapters.

The players

Nancy Wiser

She is a communications professional who began her career in 1982 and established Wiser Strategies in 2011.

Tom L. Preston

He founded The Preston Group in 1968 and served as the executive director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security.

Public Relations Society of America

This is a professional organization that supports 400 professional and student chapters across the United States.

The details

The PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter board created this accolade to honor the career and influence of Tom L. Preston, who led the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. Nancy Wiser, who has worked in public relations since 1982, was chosen as the first recipient for her extensive history in the industry.

Tom L. Preston began his public relations career in 1956.
Nancy Wiser began her public relations career in 1982.
Wiser, Hemlepp & Associates was co-founded in 2000.
Wiser Strategies was established in 2011.
The award was presented in Lexington on September 24, 2026.

Culture Shift

The creation of this award reflects a growing trend of institutionalizing professional legacies within regional industry chapters. This shift formalizes how local organizations celebrate long-term career impacts to inspire the next generation of practitioners.

This award sets a new benchmark for professional achievement recognition within the Lexington business community. It provides local practitioners with a clear example of the career longevity and community impact the organization aims to promote.

The takeaway

The inaugural award serves as a reminder of the long-term career growth possible in strategic communications. Professionals can focus on building multi-decade careers by adapting their services to meet evolving community and corporate needs.