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FPRA Space Coast Chapter
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Board Installation & Awards Ceremony

September 3. 6pm - 8pm

Cocoa Civic Center, 430 Delannoy Ave

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Register today

Cheers!

Thank you for joining us and celebrating our wonderful chapter!

Growing Together: Celebrating PR Excellence

Join Space Coast FPRA as we celebrate a year of achievements and a season of growth.

Together, we'll recognize this year's award recipients, celebrate our chapter's accomplishments, and welcome the 2026–27 Board of Directors as they begin a new year of leadership and service. 


Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, mocktails, and networking with public relations, marketing, and communications professionals from across the Space Coast. Whether you're celebrating successes, making new connections, or looking ahead, this evening promises to inspire and help our chapter continue to grow together. 

 Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026

Event Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. 


General Admission Ticket: $25 

Past President Ticket: $20 


Location: Cocoa Civic Center 

430 Delannoy Ave

Register today

Parking Information

 

Free public parking in Cocoa Village.

  • Lee Wenner Park
  • Parallel Parking on side streets where available. 3-hour parking signs do not apply, feel free to park for the whole event.
  • Stone St. Public Parking Lot (Between Oleander St. and Stone St. just east of Florida Ave.)
  • Oleander St. Public Parking (On Oleander St. just west of Hughlett Ave.)
  • Old City Hall Site (On the southwest corner of Brevard Ave. and Factory St.)


Paid Parking in Cocoa Village

  • Pay to park in the parking lot across the street from the Civic Center (the old bank parking lot).
  • Please note this parking lot is not owned or managed by the City of Cocoa or the Cocoa Village Playhouse.


 City of Cocoa YouTube Video: Parking in Historic Downtown Cocoa Village 

Parking area map

2025/2026 Award Winners

Past President’s Award

Past President’s Award

Past President’s Award

 Abby Hemenway, APR- Space Coast TPO

 

The Past President's Award recognizes Abby Hemenway, APR, for her outstanding leadership, mentorship, and continued dedication to Space Coast FPRA. Having served two consecutive terms as Chapter President, Abby remains an invaluable resource to the chapter, championing accreditation, supporting fellow 

 Abby Hemenway, APR- Space Coast TPO

 

The Past President's Award recognizes Abby Hemenway, APR, for her outstanding leadership, mentorship, and continued dedication to Space Coast FPRA. Having served two consecutive terms as Chapter President, Abby remains an invaluable resource to the chapter, championing accreditation, supporting fellow leaders, and cultivating a welcoming and supportive community for all members. 

Rising Star Award

Past President’s Award

Past President’s Award

 Hilarye Fuller - City of Indian Harbour Beach

  

The Rising Star Award recognizes Hilarye Fuller for her outstanding dedication, enthusiasm, and contributions to Space Coast FPRA. Since joining the chapter, Hilarye has quickly embraced leadership opportunities, serving on the Board of Directors and playing a key role in the success of the 

 Hilarye Fuller - City of Indian Harbour Beach

  

The Rising Star Award recognizes Hilarye Fuller for her outstanding dedication, enthusiasm, and contributions to Space Coast FPRA. Since joining the chapter, Hilarye has quickly embraced leadership opportunities, serving on the Board of Directors and playing a key role in the success of the Media Summit. Her initiative, commitment to professional growth, and passion for connecting with fellow members exemplify the bright future of the public relations profession.

President's Award

Past President’s Award

Chapter Member of the Year

 Jaime Braudrick, MA, APIO  - City of Cocoa

  

The President's Award recognizes Jaime Braudrick, MA, APIO, for her exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Her hard work and determination helped the Space Coast FPRA Media Summit earn its first Golden Image Award in chapter history. Known for consistently going above

 Jaime Braudrick, MA, APIO  - City of Cocoa

  

The President's Award recognizes Jaime Braudrick, MA, APIO, for her exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Her hard work and determination helped the Space Coast FPRA Media Summit earn its first Golden Image Award in chapter history. Known for consistently going above and beyond, Jaime's professionalism, reliability, and passion for serving others make her an invaluable member of Space Coast FPRA.

Chapter Member of the Year

Chapter Member of the Year

Chapter Member of the Year

 Debbie Ryan- Christian Care Ministry

  

The Chapter Member of the Year Award recognizes Debbie Ryan for her exceptional dedication, leadership, and contributions to Space Coast FPRA. As VP of Membership, Debbie spearheaded a successful recruitment campaign, secured state grant funding, and helped grow chapter membership. Her creativity, en

 Debbie Ryan- Christian Care Ministry

  

The Chapter Member of the Year Award recognizes Debbie Ryan for her exceptional dedication, leadership, and contributions to Space Coast FPRA. As VP of Membership, Debbie spearheaded a successful recruitment campaign, secured state grant funding, and helped grow chapter membership. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to supporting fellow members have strengthened our chapter and made her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.

Doris Fleischman Award

Chapter Member of the Year

Communicator of the Year

Russell Bruhn - Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

 

The Doris Fleischman Award recognizes Russel Bruhn for his outstanding dedication and behind-the-scenes contributions to Space Coast FPRA. As Chapter Secretary, Russel was a dependable, enthusiastic, and valued member of the Board of Directors. He also played an instrumental role in hos

Russell Bruhn - Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

 

The Doris Fleischman Award recognizes Russel Bruhn for his outstanding dedication and behind-the-scenes contributions to Space Coast FPRA. As Chapter Secretary, Russel was a dependable, enthusiastic, and valued member of the Board of Directors. He also played an instrumental role in hosting a chapter event at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex that attracted communications professionals from across Florida. His positive attitude, willingness to help, and commitment to the chapter make him a deserving recipient of this special recognition. 

Communicator of the Year

Chapter Member of the Year

Communicator of the Year

142 Productions

  

The 2025–2026 Communicator of the Year Award recognizes One Forty-Two Productions, founded by Duncan and Jessica Moore, for its exceptional creativity, storytelling, and contributions to the communications profession. Their award-winning collaboration with the City of Cocoa earned three honors at FPRA's Golden Image Award

142 Productions

  

The 2025–2026 Communicator of the Year Award recognizes One Forty-Two Productions, founded by Duncan and Jessica Moore, for its exceptional creativity, storytelling, and contributions to the communications profession. Their award-winning collaboration with the City of Cocoa earned three honors at FPRA's Golden Image Awards. Beyond their professional achievements, One Forty-Two Productions continues to support Space Coast FPRA through sponsorships, community involvement, and a commitment to helping organizations share meaningful stories.

Dick Baumbach PR Professional of the Year

Dick Baumbach PR Professional of the Year

Dick Baumbach PR Professional of the Year

 Meagan Happel - Space Coast Tourism Board

  

The Dick Baumbach PR Professional of the Year Award, Space Coast FPRA's highest honor, recognizes Meagan Happel for her exceptional professional achievements, leadership, and dedication to advancing the public relations profession. As Public Relations Manager and Film Commissioner for the Space 

 Meagan Happel - Space Coast Tourism Board

  

The Dick Baumbach PR Professional of the Year Award, Space Coast FPRA's highest honor, recognizes Meagan Happel for her exceptional professional achievements, leadership, and dedication to advancing the public relations profession. As Public Relations Manager and Film Commissioner for the Space Coast Office of Tourism, Meagan has earned recognition for her strategic communications and creative storytelling. Since joining FPRA in 2020, she has served in numerous chapter and state leadership roles, championed professional development, and strengthened member engagement. Her commitment to excellence and service makes her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Thank you to our sponsors

Board Recognition and Installation

Outgoing Board

Thank you to our 2025/2026 board for all you've done for this amazing chapter


  • Immediate Past President: Abby Hemenway, APR
  • President: Sascha Lee
  • President-Elect: Meagan Happel
  • Special Event Chair: Jaime Braudrick, MA
  • Treasurer: Jessica Moore
  • Secretary: Russell Bruhn
  • VPs of Digital Communications: Candice Barton & Carli Barr
  • VP of Membership: Debbie Ryan
  • Members at Large: Ikram Elharti & Hilarye Fuller

Incoming Board

Welcome to new and returning board members! Looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!


  • Immediate Past President: Sascha Lee, APR
  • President: Meagan Happel
  • President-Elect: Jaime Braudrick, MA, APIO
  • VP of Programming & Events: Dana Vinci
  • Treasurer: Jessica Moore
  • Secretary: Candice Barton
  • VP of Digital Communications: Carlos Garcia
  • VP of Digital Communications: Hilarye Fuller
  • VP of Membership: Debbie Ryan
  • VP of Accreditation: Sara Shell, APR
  • Member at Large: Kristin Wherry
  • Member at Large: Caitlin Butler


Award descriptions & Past winners

President's & Past President's Awards

President’s Awards are given to chapter members who have gone above and beyond to support the Space Coast chapter.

Recent Recipients:

  • Jessica Moore, Debbie Ryan, & Carli Barr (2025)
  • Meagan Happel & Russell Bruhn (2023)
  • Marilyn Waters, APR, CPRC (2022)
  • Abby Hemenway, APR (2020)
  • Sara Almond, APR, CPRC (2019, 2021)
  • Autumn Shrum, APR (2018)

Rising Stars

 SCFPRA is also currently accepting nominations for our Space Coast Rising Star Award. This award is presented to an FPRA member of less than three years who has made significant contributions to the chapter and is interested in or already involved with the chapter board. They are also actively pursuing more leadership roles within the chapter. The recipient will also be recognized at the PR Professional & Communicator of the Year Awards Event.

Nominees should be an active Space Coast FPRA member.

*You may nominate an individual or yourself for this award.

Recent Recipients:

  • Candice Barton (2025)
  • Darlene Montano (2023)
  • Carlee Mixon (2022)
  • Sara Shell & Elizabeth Counsman (2021)
  • Rachel Horst (2020)
  • Melissa Breckenridge & Abby Hemenway, APR (2019)
  • Sara Almond, APR & Nina Salvaggio Wagner, APR (2018)

Chapter Member of the Year

 Chapter Member of the Year is given to an active, committed FPRA member who regularly contributes their time, energy, enthusiasm, and skill to ensure the chapter’s success. 

Recent Recipients:

  •  Maegan Happel (2025)
  • Vanessa Green Skyrmes (2023) 
  •  Tessa Friederichs 
  •  Julie Arnold 
  •  Katherine Sonn 
  •  Tina Lange, APR (twice) 

Doris Fleischman Award

The Doris Fleischman Award is presented to a member who makes often unrecognized, “behind the scenes” contributions to the public relations profession and/or to FPRA. In essence, this is an “unsung” hero award intended to reward that individual who consistently provides support and assistance to the Association and their peers.

This award is named after Doris Fleischman, business partner and wife of Edward L. Bernays, the “father” of public relations. The award recognizes those FPRA members, who, like Ms. Fleischman, make contributions to the field of public relations through their consistent, tireless efforts. The award is meant to honor a member for his/her "behind the scenes" work and FPRA volunteer efforts that go unnoticed by chapter members and are not recognized by other awards programs.

Recent Recipients: 

  • Melissa DiMaria (2025)
  • Carlee Mixon (2023)
  • Samantha Senger, APR, CPRC  (2022)
  • Kelly Haskins (2021)
  • Geo Ropert, APR (2019)

Communicator of the Year

The Communicator of the Year award is given to a member of the community who exhibited outstanding communication efforts during the 2021-2022 year.

This nominee does not have to be a member of FPRA. Nominees must be in a communications role and employed at a business located in Brevard.

The communications efforts they exhibited should have occurred in 2021-2022 and be condensed to a single campaign in which they managed communications and exceeded expectations.

Recent Recipients:

  • Space Coast Pride (2025)
  • Brevard Zoo (2023)
  • Brightline (2022)
  • Melbourne Orlando International Airport (2021)
  • Space Coast Area Chambers (2020)
  • City of Melbourne (2019)
  • Health First (2018)

Dick Baumbach PR Professional of the Year

 The Dick Baumbach PR Professional of the Year Award is given to an active, committed FPRA member who regularly contributes their time, energy, enthusiasm and skill to ensure the chapter’s success.

The nominee must be in good standing with the chapter, an active participant in chapter programs/projects, should possess a professional attitude and provide support to fellow members, and should proactively raise awareness about FPRA.

Recent Recipients:

  • Sascha Lee (2025)
  • Melissa DiMaria (2023)
  • Rachel Horst (2022)
  • Abby Hemenway, APR (2021)
  • Sara Almond, APR (2020)
  • Angelica Deluccia-Morrisey (2019)
  • Samantha Senger, APR, CPRC (2018)

Past Board Instalations and award winners

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