
Shine a Light on Outstanding Service—
Nominate a Colleague for the John L. Thomason Award
Recognize Excellence in Marketing, Communications & Community Service — Nominate a Colleague for the John L. Thomason Award
The John L. Thomason Award is the highest honor presented by CHPRMS. Established in 1986 in memory of one of our founding members, the award recognizes a healthcare marketing or communications professional who not only excels in their field but also exemplifies a deep commitment to service—both within their organization and throughout their community.
John L. Thomason served as Director of Public Relations at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center from 1969 to 1986 and was president of CHPRMS in 1975. A pioneer in healthcare communications, he also played a leading role in bringing hospice care to Spartanburg, working to ensure compassionate support for those facing life-limiting illness. After his passing, his wife created this award to honor professionals who carry forward his legacy of excellence, leadership, and civic dedication.
While many in our field perform their duties with skill and care, recipients of the Thomason Award are those whose impact rises above and beyond the norm. They are leaders who advance our profession, inspire their peers, and give generously of their time and talents to make their communities better. They are mentors, changemakers, and advocates who exemplify the best of what healthcare marketing and public relations can be.
Nominations must be submitted in writing by CHPRMS members using the official nomination form. A panel of past recipients reviews all submissions and selects the honoree, who is recognized at the annual CHPRMS Fall Conference.
Who Should Be Nominated for the John L. Thomason Award of Excellence?
Nominees for the John L. Thomason Award should reflect the values and spirit of its namesake—excellence in professional practice, service to the community, and a commitment to advancing the field of healthcare marketing and communications. While recipients are not required to demonstrate exemplary performance in all areas, nominations are strongest when they show a consistent pattern of leadership, generosity, and impact across multiple categories.
1. Contributions to CHPRMS
This includes leadership roles, volunteer service, mentorship, and active participation that strengthen the mission and work of CHPRMS. Nominees may have contributed to events, committees, or strategic initiatives that advanced the organization.
2. Excellence in Healthcare Marketing, Communications, or Public Relations
Nominees should have demonstrated outstanding skill, innovation, or leadership in their professional work—whether at the local, regional, or national level. This includes elevating their organization’s communications efforts and setting a high standard for the industry.
3. Service to the Profession
Nominees should be known for supporting and uplifting others in the field—through mentorship, education, collaboration, or guidance—without personal or professional gain. This category honors those who give back generously to help others grow.
4. Commitment to Community and Ethical Leadership
Nominees should demonstrate a strong sense of civic responsibility and integrity. This includes involvement in community initiatives, advocacy work, or service projects, as well as a track record of ethical leadership and a drive to improve both their workplace and the world around them.
Congratulations to the past recipients of the John L. Thomason Award:
2024 – Andy Lyons
2022 – Sarah Boozer
2021 - Dan Dunlop
2020 - No Award Given
2019 - Juana Abernathy
2018 - No Award Given
2017 - Gillian Baker
2016 - Kati Everett
2015 - No Award Given
2014 - Allison Greene and Peggy Kane
2013 – Lee Brower
2012 – No Award Given
2011 – Michele Affronte-McCausland
2010 – Alan Taylor
2009 – Eric Fletcher
2008 – Dan Corrigan (posthumously)
2007 – Don Dalton
2006 – Andre LaCroix
2005 – Clinton Weaver
2004 – Julian Gibbons
2003 – Jamie Adair
2002 – Joan Carroza
2001 – No award given
2000 – Stacey Brown
1999 – No Award Given
1998 – Judy C. Smith
1997 – Renee Romberger
1996 – Betty Hinson
1995 – Emerson Smith
1994 – Keith Thomason
1993 – Jo Carol Torrez
1992 – Phil Whitesell
1991 – Linda Staunch
1990 – Eston Clark
1989 – Bill Stancil
1988 – Pat Mebane
1987 – Elliot Taylor
1986 – Nancy Seymour & Marthanna Banks