Minnesota PRSA Names Holli Henderson Young Professional of the Year
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Starting as a student, Henderson continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening the organization’s relevance within the local PR community.
MINNEAPOLIS (May 30, 2018) – Minnesota PRSA has awarded Holli Henderson, a marketing communications manager at U.S. Bank, with its Young Professional of the Year Award. The award celebrates the accomplishments of exceptional members of the chapter who have
served three to seven years in the industry, post-graduation. Henderson received the award at Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Classics on April 19.
“Being recognized for one’s contributions to an organization is a tremendous honor,” Henderson said. “What is particularly special about the Young Professional Award is that it means that I’ve had the opportunity to work with the leaders of the Twin Cities PR community. As someone who is just a handful of years into my career, the connections I’ve made, both personally and professionally, with those who are leading agencies and the communications teams for Fortune 500 companies are invaluable.”
While completing her degree at the University of Minnesota, Henderson was
involved with PRSSA - the student equivalent of the professional organization. Upon graduation, she elected to continue working within the Minnesota PRSA chapter while also beginning her career at Pineapple RM. While there, Rose McKinney, APR, PRSA Fellow, and 2016 Donald G. Padilla Distinguished Practitioner Award recipient, had a large influence on Henderson’s views on volunteering and developing a professional approach.
“She is the one who first encouraged me to join PRSA and actually get involved in a committee,” Henderson said. “She is such a force in our community, and I am so fortunate to call her a mentor and friend.
Henderson has been a member of the programming committee since joining the chapter and eventually took on a leadership role as the committee’s co-chair. At the same time, Henderson was continuing to advance professionally by taking a job with Ameriprise Financial in 2013.
“I have had the benefit of being a volunteer during an incredible series of board tenures,” Henderson said. “During the past five years, Minnesota PRSA leadership has put such thought and focus toward ensuring members and volunteers are gaining value from their involvement. From events with tangible, actionable takeaways, to a constant stream of thought leadership coming from the newsletter, blog, etc.; staying dedicated to this organization has been a no-brainer.”
Currently, Henderson is a marketing communications manager at U.S. Bank, serving as an advocate for the value a robust communications strategy can bring to an organization. She helps bring the expertise and thought leadership of her sales- and operations-oriented colleagues to the greater banking and finance industry, utilizing many of the service skills honed while working in an agency setting.
Henderson continues to contribute to Minnesota PRSA, serving as the chapter’s volunteer coordinator. She says she plans to continue to support both local, and national, tenets of the organization.
“I’ve always tried to serve as an advocate for public relations in any of my professional roles—especially as they’ve strayed from traditional PR positions,” Henderson said. “Winning this award has certainly solidified the responsibility I feel to continue to do just that.”
About Minnesota PRSA
Minnesota PRSA is the ninth-largest chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals with nearly 32,000 professional and student members. A strong, active part of Minnesota’s communications community since 1953, Minnesota PRSA’s membership is comprised of nearly 400 corporate, agency, independent, non-profit and government public relations professionals from Minnesota, the Dakotas and western Wisconsin. Through its programs and services, Minnesota PRSA delivers on its mission of engaging members at every stage of their careers with the knowledge, resources and connections to achieve professional excellence, drive ethical and strategic outcomes, and advocate for the profession. Learn more at www.minnesotaprsa.org.