Nursing Alum Honored as 2020 Memphis Communicator of the Year

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Credit: Shelby County Health Department

Author: Memphis Tourism News Release

MEMPHIS, Tenn — The Memphis Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has selected Alisa Haushalter, DNP, RN., Director of the Shelby County Health Department, as its Communicator of the Year for 2020.

The 2020 Communicator of the Year Award reflects Dr. Haushalter’s unflappable courage in leading the community throughout the pandemic, always with eye toward what is best for the residents of Shelby County, even when her message has met criticism at times. She has led regular media briefings exhibiting communications skills that are honest, direct, understandable, and always focused on protecting the community and moving it safely through the pandemic.

“The last year has brought on many unforeseen challenges and adversities. We applaud Dr. Haushalter for her leadership, resilience, and commitment to the well-being of the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County during these unprecedented times,”  said Milton Howery III, President of PRSA Memphis. “We also celebrate the courage and leadership of Jordan Dodson, a student who has done an outstanding job bringing awareness to the many issues that affect the people in our city. PRSA Memphis Chapter is honored to award them both for their work and dedication to our community.”

Dr. Haushalter earned her undergraduate degree in Nursing from Belmont University in Nashville, a master’s degree in Nursing with a specialty in Family Practice from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She also serves as an associate professor in the UTHSC College of Nursing.The Memphis Chapter of PRSA is an organization of about 175 public relations professionals representing hospitals, non-profit agencies, large corporations, small private companies, consulting firms, educational institutions, marketing firms and freelancers across the region. The chapter was founded in 1952. Today, the members meet (currently via Zoom) throughout the year for programs, professional development seminars, awards programs and social events.