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GRP’s Wakefield recognized with Excellence in Public Relations
June 9, 2025
Greater Richmond Partnership President and CEO Jennifer Wakefield was honored with the prestigious Excellence in Public Relations award by the Richmond chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Richmond) during its 78th Virginia Public Relations Awards on Wednesday, May 28.
Held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, the ceremony annually honors the best public relations work across a wide range of industries and sectors.
Wakefield was recognized for her extensive leadership and impact on economic development and public relations. As GRP’s president and CEO since 2021, she has led regional marketing initiatives that attracted national and international businesses to the Richmond MSA, such as LEGO, SimpliSafe, CoStar and, most recently, Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches.
“It means a lot for peers to acknowledge the work of public relations, especially with my history, my background, it’s all in public relations and marketing,” Wakefield told WTVR’s Virginia This Morning on June 2.
Her strategic approach and commitment to excellence have made her a respected leader and mentor in the field. In a commemoration video on YouTube, former colleagues and associates of Wakefield congratulated her on her accomplishments and spoke of her impact on their careers.
“It’s always so fantastic when you see someone with APR by their name get CEO by their name,” Jill Vaughn, APR, founder of JLV Communications and former president of PRSA Richmond, said in the video. “Jen not only gets public relations, but she gets business.”
The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is a specialized and rigorous accreditation designed towards public relations and communications professionals administered by PRSA. The credential demonstrates expertise, ethics and strategic decision-making within the field.
Wakefield has a master’s degree in communications from the University of Central Florida and a bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising from the University of West Florida. Before joining the GRP, Wakefield served as the vice president of marketing and communications for the Orlando Economic Development Commission – now the Orlando Economic Partnership – for more than 11 years.
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