Susan Lavenski Joins West Virginia PR Hall of Fame

The veteran communications leader earns induction for a career spanning three decades.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Awards

Gouache-painted illustration of a vintage microphone on a desk, signifying professional communication and a legacy in public relations. — Susan Lavenski has been inducted into the West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame following her three-decade career in communications. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Susan Lavenski has been named to the West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame. The honor follows her retirement as managing partner and owner of Charles Ryan Associates.

Why it matters

Her induction recognizes a distinguished career in public relations that has shaped the communications landscape in West Virginia for thirty years.

Lavenski served as managing partner and owner of Charles Ryan Associates after joining the firm in 1998. Her career spans three decades of leadership in the regional communications industry.

The players

Susan Lavenski

She is a retired managing partner and owner of Charles Ryan Associates and a graduate of Marshall University.

Charles Ryan Associates

This is a prominent communications and public relations firm where Lavenski spent the majority of her career.

Public Relations Society of America West Virginia chapter

This organization manages the state's public relations professional standards and hosts the annual Hall of Fame honors.

The details

Lavenski ascended through the executive ranks of Charles Ryan Associates to become its owner and managing partner. She is a graduate of the Marshall University W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Susan Lavenski joined Charles Ryan Associates in 1998.
The PRSA West Virginia Night of Honors ceremony takes place on November 12, 2026.

Culture Shift

The induction of Susan Lavenski into the West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame follows a long tradition of honoring state communication leaders. This milestone reflects a broader cultural appreciation for regional professional mentorship and sustained industry excellence over time.

Residents and professionals in the Charleston area can view the celebration of this industry milestone as a marker of regional business history. The event highlights the continued development of local communications expertise and the legacy of established firms in the state capital.

The takeaway

Lavenski's transition from executive leadership to the Hall of Fame highlights the value of long-term commitment to a single organization. Professionals can draw inspiration from her progression from a journalism graduate to an owner within the same firm.