Tombras School Student and Staff Member receive PRSA Volunteer Chapter Communicator of the Year Awards

From left to right: Kiley Fenn, Eddie Mannis, and Kristen Gallant Bailey

The Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Volunteer Chapter recently celebrated three individuals who were honored as Communicators of the Year. PRSA is a leading professional organization that serves the communications community, with a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters. Assistant Professor of Practice Joseph Stabb, Ph.D., APR is the president of the Volunteer Chapter and the faculty advisor for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Public Relations Student Society of America’s (PRSSA) Sammie Lynn Puett Chapter.

The Communicator of the Year awards ceremony took place at the Crowne Plaza in Knoxville on Tuesday, January 14. This event recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of public relations and communications. The recipients included: Kiley Fenn, a junior at the Tombras School and the 2025 Student Communicator of the Year; Kristen Gallant Bailey, the Tombras School’s communication specialist, who received the 2025 Ellen Liston Rising Young Professional Award; and Eddie Mannis, president and CEO of Prestige Companies, who was named the 2025 Communicator of the Year.

Several dozen PRSA members, including past Volunteer Chapter presidents and current board members, attended the event to honor the award recipients.

Stabb expressed, “It is an honor to recognize individuals in our community who exemplify the core values of the public relations profession, including honesty, fairness, and advocacy. The PRSA Volunteer Chapter highlights individuals for their contributions to the public relations profession and our community. Congratulations to all our 2025 awardees!”

Stabb introduced both Fenn and Gallant Bailey and presented them with their awards.

Kiley Fenn, 2025 Student Communicator of the Year

Fenn, originally from Annapolis, Maryland, is the PRSSA Director of PR and a member of the advisory board for the Nicaraguan Education Resource Center (CREA), a nonprofit organization based in Nicaragua. She has experience as an influencer intern and social media manager and is focused on a career in account and social media management.

Kiley Fenn accepting her award

“To receive this award reminds me that I am making a difference in my profession. I am passionate about public relations and the impact I can create. My love for public relations began when I was 10 years old, and the University of Tennessee has allowed me to grow professionally and connect my passion to real-world applications,” Fenn stated.

On campus, Fenn is involved with the Delta Zeta Sorority and Order of Omega. She also participates in the Young Professionals Academy, a program that pairs her with a professional mentor for valuable learning experiences.

Fenn believes that the University of Tennessee and the Tombras School have equipped her for a successful future in public relations by providing her with practical experiences and opportunities.

“My professors encourage me to be myself and expand my creativity, helping me reach my goals and potential. This award is not only an honor but also a privilege. I have worked hard at the University of Tennessee to demonstrate to myself and others that I am in the right profession. Receiving the Student Communicator of the Year Award signifies that I am a passionate, diligent, and committed public relations student,” she said.

Kristen Gallant Bailey, 2025 Ellen Liston Rising Young Professional Award Recipient 

Kristen Gallant Bailey is a communications specialist at UT’s College of Communication and Information, where she enhances audience engagement and strengthens connections with alumni and friends of the college. Over the past year, she has led strategic social media initiatives for both the Tombras School and the School of Information Sciences. With a background in multimedia journalism, her skill set includes crafting impactful narratives that advance the university’s communication objectives.

Kristen Gallant accepting her award

Prior to her role at UT, Gallant Bailey spent five years as a multimedia journalist with local television stations in Johnson City and Knoxville. Her experience as a journalist enabled her to build meaningful relationships with community members, local business owners, and community leaders.

“I am truly honored to be recognized for my work as a communications specialist. In just one year at UT, I have gained so much knowledge and experience. With my background in journalism, I had a foundational understanding of PR and marketing, but my incredible coworkers have taught me so much more. Their willingness to share their expertise has greatly enriched my skills, and I look forward to continuing to grow in such a supportive learning environment.”

Eddie Mannis, 2025 Communicator of the Year

Eddie Mannis is a first-generation entrepreneur who founded Prestige Cleaners in 1985. He grew the business from three employees to over a hundred and expanded into several other ventures, including Prestige Tuxedo and MarKit Brand Outfitters. His companies have received numerous accolades, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Southeastern Region Small Business of the Year Award and the Community Leadership Award.

Eddie Mannis accepting his award

In 2011, Mannis became Knoxville’s first chief operating officer and deputy mayor. He is also the founder of HonorAir Knoxville, a nonprofit organization that has organized trips for over 4,000 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to visit memorials in Washington, DC Mannis has received widespread recognition for his contributions to community service and leadership. Additionally, he served in the Tennessee State House of Representatives during the 112th General Assembly.

Originally from north Knoxville, Mannis described himself as a very shy kid. He learned many of his communication skills from his father, who passed away three years ago. 

While at the podium accepting his award, Mannis said, “My dad was one amazing man. He modeled the value of hard work and the power of leading by example. He didn’t talk much about the sacrifices that he made for his family, but his actions spoke volumes to them. I learned that the most meaningful communication doesn’t always require words, it requires intention.”

He added that PR and communication are not always verbal but can be simple actions that can make a big difference in people’s lives. 

“Some of the most impactful conversations that I had were not in a public forum, but in one-on-one moments listening to veterans share their stories, hearing from small business owners about their struggles, or talking with community members about their dreams or concerns for Knoxville and our state. Those moments reminded me that communication isn’t just about talking. Instead, it’s truly about connecting,” he stated. 

Mannis expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the Communicator of the Year Award, stating that it was a privilege to receive such a prestigious honor.

“As I reflected on being selected as Communicator of the Year, I’m convinced that this in no way is just a recognition of me. It’s a tribute to the power of communication to make a difference whether it’s a message to a team member, a story told to the public, conversing with a veteran, or a quiet conversation that changes someone’s perspective, communication is the thread that ties it all together. I can assure you that I will continue to value and recognize the importance of communication in all I do,” he explained. 

The Volunteer Chapter of PRSA accepts nominations for the Communicator of the Year Awards in November. If you are interested in becoming a member of UT’s PRSSA Sammie Lynn Puett Chapter, click here.