COM grad honored by PRSA

Edward Parham (’94) of Clifton Park, N.Y., director of public relations at Rueckert Advertising and Public Relations, Inc., was recognized last night with the 2013 Outstanding Practitioner Award from the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Capital Region Chapter.

Handed out at the PRSA’s Empire Awards gala held at The Hilton Albany, the annual honor is given to a Capital Region public relations professional who has achieved exceptional success, displayed the highest ethics and is dedicated to serving the community and the profession.

“Parham is recognized by clients, journalists and fellow practitioners as an innovative public relations professional who works tirelessly and effectively to deliver results,” said PRSA Capital Region Chapter President Mike Lesczinski. “He has embraced the evolving role of practitioner, allowing his clients to remain competitive in an increasingly technological and interactive world.”

With more than 20 years of experience in the PR industry, the England native has a track record of developing innovative marketing and PR strategies for some of the region’s most recognized events. This includes the annual Freihofer’s Run for Women, which has grown 23 percent during his involvement; the Troy Turkey Trot, which saw its largest field ever in 2012; and, the American Diabetes Association's Saratoga Tour de Cure cycling event, which raised a record-breaking $1.25 million in 2013.

Parham’s work on these events has been recognized on numerous occasions, including three PRSA Empire Awards, two American Marketing Association “Mark of Excellence" Awards, and two campaign strategy write-ups in PR Week magazine.

“Besides his talent working on events, Ed has earned tremendous results for our clients in an array of industry sectors,” added Rueckert Advertising President Dean Rueckert. “This includes spearheading successful statewide campaigns for state agencies like the NYS Public Service Commission, NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, and Higher Education Services Corporation, as well as playing a pivotal role securing positive media coverage for clients such as Albany Law School, Horizon Wind, Marvin and Company, the New York State Broadcasters Association, Senior Whole Health, and St. Mary’s Healthcare.”

In his speech, Parham gave praise to one of his most influential professors at BU, the late Jack Falla. Here is an excerpt from his acceptance speech:

“I’d also be remiss not to mention Boston University College of Communication lecturer, Jack Falla, a former Sports Illustrated hockey writer, who first sparked my interest in public relations. Jack was a passionate teacher and he was, hands down, the most inspiring professor I ever had. He brought his enthusiasm and intimate knowledge of the sports world — something that I always loved as a kid growing up across the pond in England — into the classroom. Jack was one of the best writers in the business and he taught sports journalism and public relations courses at BU for many years. His evening classes on sports writing and public relations techniques on Commonwealth Avenue were always eagerly looked forward to."