We’re thrilled to announce that the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Hampton Roads chapter has named our founder and president Joel Rubin its 2013 PR Practitioner of the Year.

The honor is even more significant because it’s now named after the late P. Lee Starkey, the ‘father of public relations’ here in Hampton Roads.

Starkey, a legend in the local PR community, earned the first-ever PR Practitioner of the Year award in 1986 and was a mentor when Joel started the business in 1991. Starkey’s widow Earlene and Mindy Hughes, last year’s award recipient, presented a plaque to Joel before fellow PR and marketing professionals during a recent chapter luncheon.

Hughes called Joel “the most interesting man in Hampton Roads” and cited his decades of work in public relations and community service, including his willingness to promote and emcee countless events around town. On any given night, there’s no telling where you’ll find Joel.

He’s moderated political forums, helped organize the local production for the ABC program ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ and in 2012 staged a hugely successful educational event about Abraham Lincoln.

‘Most interesting,’ indeed.

Many thanks to Mindy and everyone at PRSA. We think it’s time to celebrate with a round of Dos Equis.

Congrats again, Joel!