The Colorado Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Colorado) announced the winners of its 2026 Gold Pick Awards, recognizing outstanding communications campaigns, agencies, and professionals across the state. Established in 1966, the Gold Pick Awards celebrate excellence in strategic planning, creativity, execution, and measurable results. This year’s honorees represent corporations, public relations agencies, universities, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies, reflecting the broad impact of strategic communications in Colorado.
The Grand Gold Pick Award, the program’s top honor, went to Genus for its work on the PRRS-Resistant Pig Website, a digital platform designed to drive awareness. The project also earned a Gold Pick Award in the Digital Platform category. SchroderHaus Marketing Communications received the Gold Pick Award for Best Agency – Boutique/Small and was additionally recognized for influencer marketing and social media campaigns. Other organizations honored included Children’s Hospital Colorado for media relations surrounding the region’s first pediatric heart and liver dual-organ transplant; the University of Colorado for communications highlighting scientific research and university initiatives; Colorado State University for storytelling connecting Master Gardeners and students who are blind; the Denver Public Schools Foundation for its Achieve Gala celebrating student leadership; CIG Public Relations for communications supporting the Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project; Linhart Public Relations for campaigns supporting consumer education, business growth, and community engagement; and SideCar Public Relations for campaigns highlighting Denver development, housing, and community revitalization.
PRSA Colorado also recognized individuals and teams for professional achievements. Wendy Manitta Holmes, APR, received the Swede Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award; Tim Carroll, APR, was named Sharon Linhart Public Relations Person of the Year; Jaclyn Allen was honored as Media Professional of the Year; Dani Sturges received the Joe Fuentes Rookie of the Year Award; Danielle Moore was named Jane Dvorak Mentor of the Year; Quinn Kelsey received the Ayers Chapter Service Award; and CIG Public Relations was named PR Team of the Year. The complete list of 2026 Gold Pick Award winners and special award honorees is available on the PRSA Colorado website.
The awards matter because they spotlight how public relations professionals shape public understanding on critical issues, from healthcare breakthroughs and educational access to urban transit and community revitalization. By honoring campaigns with measurable results, PRSA Colorado reinforces the role of strategic communications in advancing organizations and communities. The 2026 Gold Pick Awards were presented and produced by SideCar Public Relations, with additional support from PRSA Colorado’s annual platinum sponsor, Linhart Public Relations. Founded in 1957, PRSA Colorado advances the public relations profession through professional development, networking, ethical practices, and leadership opportunities, serving communications professionals across the state’s corporate, agency, nonprofit, government, and education sectors. More information about the chapter is available at https://prsacolorado.org.
