Antonice Strickland Voted President of Detroit Chapter of Public Relations Society of America

DETROIT – Nov. 21, 2025 - The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Detroit officially voted in the new 2026 Board of Directors and honored outstanding public relations and communications professionals at its Annual Meeting & Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 20, at Wayne State University, the largest gathering of its kind in the region. Antonice Strickland, MPS, vice president of public relations and business development at 98Forward, was named PRSA Detroit president and Chrystal Wilson, APR, assistant superintendent of communications at the Detroit Public Schools Community District, joined the Executive Board as secretary. PRSA Detroit was established 78 years ago as one of the first chapters in North America. Lauren Winfrey, anchor and reporter at CBS News Detroit, hosted as the emcee.

“2026 will be a defining year for PRSA Detroit — one rooted in connection, collaboration and community,” said Strickland. “In Detroit, we carry a unique energy, creativity and resilience that sets us apart. This year, our Chapter will look, feel and breathe Detroit in everything we do — from the venues we gather in to the voices we amplify and the partnerships we cultivate. We welcome all PR professionals, communicators, marketers, journalists and those alike to collaborate on programs, network with our members and discover the value of our membership for what is anticipated to be a successful year ahead in Southeast Michigan.”

The 2026 PRSA Detroit officers are:

• Antonice Strickland, MPS, 98Forward, president
• Jeff Adkins, Henry Ford Health, president-elect
• Rachel LePoudre, APR, REP PR, treasurer
• Chrystal Wilson, APR, Detroit Public Schools Community District, secretary
• Megan Bonelli, Bosch, immediate past president

New Board of Directors, appointed to three year terms include:

• Jeff Sell, Detroit Zoological Society
• Michelle Franzen Martin, APR, Corewell Health

Returning Board of Directors include:

• Tammy Battaglia, APR, Detroit Medical Center & Children’s Hospital of Michigan
• Bianca Boji, Stellantis
• Chiara Clayton, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries
• Cydney Foster, 98Forward
• Bret Gallaway, Trestle Advisors
• Georgie Kirsten, APR, Chem-Trend
• Curt McAllister, Toyota North America
• Catia Sabak, Detroit Regional Chamber
• Kristin Sokul, APR, Gleaners Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan

A core focus of the Annual Meeting & Celebration was the Chapter honoring Tina Kozak, CEO of Franco, who was officially entered into the Chapter’s Hall of Fame for 2025 for her significant contributions to the profession. Kozak is the first woman CEO in Franco’s lengthy history. With over 18 years at Franco, she has helped define longstanding leadership and dedication at the agency.

Sharon Garcia, APR, vice president of marketing and communications at Downtown Detroit Partnership and past president of PRSA Detroit (2021), was bestowed with The Robert Hefty Distinguished Service Award for her longtime dedication to growing the Chapter.

Additionally, Georgie Kirsten, APR, head of corporate communications at Freudenberg Chemical Specialities and PRSA Detroit Board Director, received The Nancy Skidmore Distinguished Service Award for her commitment.

PRSA Detroit also spotlighted recipients of the Best in PRSA Detroit Awards, which recognize preeminent campaigns and individuals in the region:

• Gabriella Burman, owner of Burman Communications, who recently served at The Zekelman Holocaust Center, Best in Media Relations.
• Nikki Little, chief marketing officer at Franco, Best in Overall PR Campaign Award for Franco's 60th anniversary campaign.
• Kristin Sokul, APR, CFRE, senior director of advancement: communications, marketing and media/PR at Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Best Seasoned Professional Award.
• Sydney Jackson, communications specialist II at Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Best New Professional Award.
• Colleen Lafferty, owner at Maiorana+Partners and visiting professor at Oakland University, Best In PR For Good for her work with GRIZZ Recovery at Oakland University.

For information about joining PRSA Detroit and upcoming programs, please visit prsadetroit.org.

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About PRSA Detroit
The Detroit Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) was established in 1947 and is now the premier organization for Southeast Michigan public relations professionals. PRSA Detroit serves as a gateway to public relations professionals by providing educational and career opportunities to more than 250 members – from students to seasoned professionals – who represent business and industry, agencies, solo practitioners, associations, nonprofit organizations and government entities. Follow PRSA Detroit on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. See more at prsadetroit.org.