The Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL) Baton Rouge Chapter has announced its prestigious award recipients that will be honored at this year’s annual Red Stick Awards Program on Friday, May 13 at LSU’s Lod Cook Alumni Center. This year’s honorees include Dr. Joseph Kanter (Louisiana Department of Health) as Communicator of the Year; Ginger Guttner, APR (LSU School of Veterinary Medicine) as First Circle Award recipient; Tracy White (Cox Communications) as Practitioner of the Year; and Ryan Sinitiere (Feigley Communications) as Member of the Year.

As State Health Officer and Medical Director for the Louisiana Department of Health, Dr. Joseph Kanter was chosen as PRAL-BR’s Communicator of the Year for his role as the public face of the COVID-19 pandemic in Louisiana. Throughout 2021, he stood alongside Governor Edwards in countless press conferences talking about the spread of the virus, testing, deaths, statistics, vaccinations, etc. He not only had to be the scientific expert, but he also had to dispel misinformation in the state's efforts to get residents vaccinated. Dr. Kanter has consistently communicated in a clear, understandable manner, making this vital information accessible to the public. 

Previous PRAL-BR Communicator of the Year honorees include Congressman Garret Graves, longtime WAFB anchor Donna Britt, former LSU football coach Ed Orgeron, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and local celebrity chef Jay Ducote.

Ginger Guttner, APR earned the title of First Circle Award recipient, PRAL's highest honor bestowed upon practitioners with the utmost standards of professional and personal integrity. With more than 20 years of experience in the public relations field, she has represented the profession with the highest of standards while also using truth and humor to share her experiences. Guttner received her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2010, and her veterinary school publications have received Awards of Excellence from the Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF). She has served as president of SPRF and both the Baton Rouge and state chapters of PRAL. She received the PRAL-BR chapter 2013 Member of the Year Award and the 2016 Practitioner of the Year Award. In 2018, Guttner was nominated by PRAL State for the SPRF Professional Achievement Award, its highest honor. She is also the spokesperson for LSU’s live tiger mascots, Mike VI (deceased) and Mike VII. In 2016, she was one of 13 TEDxLSU speakers.

Tracy White was chosen as Practitioner of the Year for her outstanding efforts to make communities in Louisiana better this past year. She is a recipient of the NOBLE Community Loyalty Award for her excellent work and leadership in service to Louisiana in 2021. White strategically led Cox's partnerships and charitable giving efforts in Baton Rouge in a time of continuous change. During Hurricane Ida, although she was displaced, she immediately raised her hand to help coordinate community feedings and get necessary items to people living in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette. She volunteered to work around the clock and on weekends to serve on a joint information committee (JIC) and joined leaders at her company to serve people that were impacted by the storm. She created a daily government affairs e-newsletter update that was instrumental in helping elected officials get critical service alerts to their constituents. Additionally, White continued to turn out excellent work while coordinating numerous virtual and in-person events and serving on multiple boards. She is a role model and has a thoughtful approach to life.

Ryan Sinitiere was selected as Member of the Year for always going above and beyond in his desire to serve his community and PRAL. He is highly engaged with PRAL and attends most member meetings as well as serving as a mentor in the mentorship program. When he heard there was a need for assistance with programs, he quickly committed to joining the committee and leveraged his large network of contacts to help secure speakers for the remainder of the year. His first instinct is to help whenever he can, and he has a genuine desire to see all those around him succeed as well as succeeding himself. 

PRAL-BR will hold its annual professional development and awards program on Friday, May 13 at LSU’s Lod Cook Alumni Center. The morning will feature lead presenter Natalie Jennings, senior politics editors with Vox, and a panel of local experts centered on the topic of controversial communications. Jennings will also serve as keynote speaker during the awards program, where this year’s PRAL Award winners will also be recognized. 

For more information or to register for the PRAL-BR awards program, visit pralstate.org/PRALBRawards.