Black Meetings & Tourism - Black Public Relations Society Of Los Angeles Hosts 2nd Annual Pat Tobin PR Excellence Awards

Industry Briefs
Black Public Relations Society Of Los Angeles Hosts 2nd Annual Pat Tobin PR Excellence Awards
Kenneth R. Reynolds, Cassandra Butcher, Roslyn Bibby-Madison and Rita Cooper Lee Receive Honors The Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles (BPRS-LA) , in conjunction with CBS Entertainment Diversity, celebrated four senior communications executives who have made significant contributions to the PR industry at the 2^nd Annual Pat Tobin PR Excellence Awards. The event was held on March 12, 2015 at CBS Studios Center in Studio City, Calif. Honorees included Roslyn Bibby-Madison, vice president of media relations for FX Networks; Cassandra Butcher, vice president of national publicity for Fox Searchlight Pictures; Rita Cooper Lee, senior vice president of communications for WGN America and Tribune Studios, and Kenneth R. Reynolds, president/CEO of boutique agency Public Relations+. The ceremony included celebrity presenter actor Rocky Carroll, filmmaker John Singleton, and invited guests. "Our honorees each have exemplified professional excellence throughout their careers and we are proud to salute them," said Shawn Turner, president of BPRS-LA. "They are a showcase of dynamic communications talent and we look to them as shining examples as we seek to foster greater diversity and advance others in the profession." Named for the late African-American public relations pioneer and co-founder of the National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS), the Pat Tobin PR Excellence Awards recognize career achievements of professionals who continue her legacy through their tireless work and dedication to shaping a positive narrative for the global brands and clients they represent. For information on the Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles, visit www.bprsla.org. About Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles Since its founding in 1987, National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS) has served as an advocate for African-American professionals in public relations, corporate communications, investor relations, government affairs, community relations, digital communications, and related fields. BPRS-LA focuses on professional development and connecting PR professionals throughout Southern California. We promote diversity of thought and talent, while providing support and education to help today's professionals stay competitive in an ever-changing communications industry. For more information, visit www.bprsla.org, or connect with us at www.facebook.com/BPRSLosAngeles or www.twitter.com/BPRSLA. About Roslyn Bibby-Madison Roslyn Bibby-Madison is Vice President of Media Relations for FX Networks and FX Productions, overseeing all aspects of publicity for hit series such as "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and American Horror Story," organizing red carpet premiere events and assisting in the networks' awards campaigns. She is also the lead publicist on the new FX miniseries franchise "American Crime Story" and its first installment: "The People v. O.J. Simpson." In addition, she has served as co-lead publicist on "Justified" and assisted in the publicity campaigns for FX's "The Americans," "Archer," "Tyrant" and "Louie" and FXX's "You're The Worst." Bibby-Madison has been responsible for all aspects of planning and directing high-profile red carpet premiere events for FX Networks series since 2001. This role includes press outreach, red carpet planning and management, and accommodations for talent and special guests. She also plays an integral role in the promotion of FX Networks series for Emmy^®, Golden Globe ^®and other awards, helping FX secure a basic cable record 45 Emmy Award nominations and 8 Emmy Awards in 2014, including four Emmys for "American Horror Story: Coven," on which she served as lead publicist. About Cassandra Butcher Cassandra Butcher is Vice president, National Publicity, at FOX Searchlight Pictures where she develops and implements comprehensive publicity and promotional plans encompassing integrated marketing initiatives designed to penetrate and grow targeted markets. She also communicates with media, talent reps and management, internal departments, and vendors to coordinate overall publicity and promotional effort in accordance with corporate goals. Her projects have included "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "Calvary, Belle," "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "Beasts of the Southern Wild," "Baggage Claim," "Just Wright," "Notorious," "The Secret Life of Bees" and a host of others. Prior to joining Fox Searchlight, Butcher worked as a unit publicist for several years where she worked closely with several studios and filmmakers on projects like "Ray," "Hustle & Flow," "Something New," "The Best Man," "The Wood," "Tyler Perry's Diary of a Made Black Woman," "Madea's Family Reunion," "Daddy's Little Girls," "Higher Learning," and "Shaft." About Rita Cooper Lee Rita Cooper Lee is Senior Vice President, Communications, WGN America and Tribune Studios, where she oversees press strategy, media relations and talent relations, as the cable network aggressively expands to become a destination for high-quality, original programming. In her role, Cooper Lee is leading the development and strategic implementation of publicity campaigns for the network's breakout hit series "Salem," critically acclaimed drama "Manhattan" and a slate of upcoming programming, including the Underground Railroad drama "Underground," "Outsiders" and "Ten Commandments." Prior to joining Tribune Media Company in 2013, she served as Vice President, Communications, Disney Channels, overseeing media relations campaigns for some of the most popular, globally recognized series and movies for kids and tweens, including "Phineas and Ferb," "Teen Beach Movie" and Marvel properties. Previously, Cooper Lee was with Warner Bros. Entertainment for more than a decade, in roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as Director, Worldwide Public Relations, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, where she directed the global development and execution of public relations activities for multi-award-winning properties including "Harry Potter," The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, and DC Comics' Batman, Superman and Supergirl. About Kenneth R. Reynolds Kenneth R. Reynolds' PR and marketing legacy includes a list of contemporary artists and icons spanning nearly 30 years; Aretha Franklin, Cheryl Lynn, Roy Ayers, Taj Mahal, Donna Summer, Barry White, Kool and the Gang, Cameo, Stephanie Mills, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, and many others. Reynolds created the initial marketing plan that launched the career of pop diva Whitney Houston. He teamed with the popular group, LaBelle (Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx and Patti LaBelle) over the years and when they returned to the studio after more than three decades to record the "Back to Now" CD, Reynolds served as one of the executive producers. Kenneth's Entertainment company, PUBLIC RELATIONS+, has expanded to include production work with the Lang Lang Foundation, Co-Producer for the Black AIDS Institute's "Heroes in the Struggle," Event Director, 2015 AAFCA (African American Film Critics Association) Awards and work with Fitzgerald's Casino & Hotel and the Giving Back Corporation. He worked alongside Tony nominated, composer/arranger/conductor Harold Wheeler on several projects: "Celebrate the Dance," "The Jackson Family Honors," "There Are No Children Here" and the one woman show "Come Into My Life Hattie Winston." Reynolds is also the Co-Creator, and Producer of the Los Angeles based Faith Awards for Faith, Hope and Love Unlimited.

Industry Briefs

Black Public Relations Society Of Los Angeles Hosts 2nd Annual Pat Tobin PR Excellence Awards

Kenneth R. Reynolds, Cassandra Butcher, Roslyn Bibby-Madison
and Rita Cooper Lee Receive Honors

The Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles (BPRS-LA) , in conjunction with CBS Entertainment Diversity, celebrated four senior communications executives who have made significant contributions to the PR industry at the 2^nd Annual Pat Tobin PR Excellence Awards. The event was held on March 12, 2015 at CBS Studios Center in Studio City, Calif.

Honorees included Roslyn Bibby-Madison, vice president of media relations for FX Networks; Cassandra Butcher, vice president of national publicity for Fox Searchlight Pictures; Rita Cooper Lee, senior vice president of communications for WGN America and Tribune Studios, and Kenneth R. Reynolds, president/CEO of boutique agency Public Relations+. The ceremony included celebrity presenter actor Rocky Carroll, filmmaker John Singleton, and invited guests.

"Our honorees each have exemplified professional excellence throughout their careers and we are proud to salute them," said Shawn Turner, president of BPRS-LA. "They are a showcase of dynamic communications talent and we look to them as shining examples as we seek to foster greater diversity and advance others in the profession."

Named for the late African-American public relations pioneer and co-founder of the National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS), the Pat Tobin PR Excellence Awards recognize career achievements of professionals who continue her legacy through their tireless work and dedication to shaping a positive narrative for the global brands and clients they represent.

For information on the Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles, visit www.bprsla.org.

About Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles
Since its founding in 1987, National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS) has served as an advocate for African-American professionals in public relations, corporate communications, investor relations, government affairs, community relations, digital communications, and related fields. BPRS-LA focuses on professional development and connecting PR professionals throughout Southern California. We promote diversity of thought and talent, while providing support and education to help today's professionals stay competitive in an ever-changing communications industry. For more information, visit www.bprsla.org, or connect with us at www.facebook.com/BPRSLosAngeles or www.twitter.com/BPRSLA.

About Roslyn Bibby-Madison
Roslyn Bibby-Madison is Vice President of Media Relations for FX Networks and FX Productions, overseeing all aspects of publicity for hit series such as "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and American Horror Story," organizing red carpet premiere events and assisting in the networks' awards campaigns. She is also the lead publicist on the new FX miniseries franchise "American Crime Story" and its first installment: "The People v. O.J. Simpson." In addition, she has served as co-lead publicist on "Justified" and assisted in the publicity campaigns for FX's "The Americans," "Archer," "Tyrant" and "Louie" and FXX's "You're The Worst." Bibby-Madison has been responsible for all aspects of planning and directing high-profile red carpet premiere events for FX Networks series since 2001. This role includes press outreach, red carpet planning and management, and accommodations for talent and special guests. She also plays an integral role in the promotion of FX Networks series for Emmy^®, Golden Globe ^®and other awards, helping FX secure a basic cable record 45 Emmy Award nominations and 8 Emmy Awards in 2014, including four Emmys for "American Horror Story: Coven," on which she served as lead publicist.

About Cassandra Butcher
Cassandra Butcher is Vice president, National Publicity, at FOX Searchlight Pictures where she develops and implements comprehensive publicity and promotional plans encompassing integrated marketing initiatives designed to penetrate and grow targeted markets. She also communicates with media, talent reps and management, internal departments, and vendors to coordinate overall publicity and promotional effort in accordance with corporate goals. Her projects have included "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "Calvary, Belle," "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "Beasts of the Southern Wild," "Baggage Claim," "Just Wright," "Notorious," "The Secret Life of Bees" and a host of others. Prior to joining Fox Searchlight, Butcher worked as a unit publicist for several years where she worked closely with several studios and filmmakers on projects like "Ray," "Hustle & Flow," "Something New," "The Best Man," "The Wood," "Tyler Perry's Diary of a Made Black Woman," "Madea's Family Reunion," "Daddy's Little Girls," "Higher Learning," and "Shaft."

About Rita Cooper Lee
Rita Cooper Lee is Senior Vice President, Communications, WGN America and Tribune Studios, where she oversees press strategy, media relations and talent relations, as the cable network aggressively expands to become a destination for high-quality, original programming. In her role, Cooper Lee is leading the development and strategic implementation of publicity campaigns for the network's breakout hit series "Salem," critically acclaimed drama "Manhattan" and a slate of upcoming programming, including the Underground Railroad drama "Underground," "Outsiders" and "Ten Commandments." Prior to joining Tribune Media Company in 2013, she served as Vice President, Communications, Disney Channels, overseeing media relations campaigns for some of the most popular, globally recognized series and movies for kids and tweens, including "Phineas and Ferb," "Teen Beach Movie" and Marvel properties. Previously, Cooper Lee was with Warner Bros. Entertainment for more than a decade, in roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as Director, Worldwide Public Relations, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, where she directed the global development and execution of public relations activities for multi-award-winning properties including "Harry Potter," The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, and DC Comics' Batman, Superman and Supergirl.

About Kenneth R. Reynolds
Kenneth R. Reynolds' PR and marketing legacy includes a list of contemporary artists and icons spanning nearly 30 years; Aretha Franklin, Cheryl Lynn, Roy Ayers, Taj Mahal, Donna Summer, Barry White, Kool and the Gang, Cameo, Stephanie Mills, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, and many others. Reynolds created the initial marketing plan that launched the career of pop diva Whitney Houston. He teamed with the popular group, LaBelle (Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx and Patti LaBelle) over the years and when they returned to the studio after more than three decades to record the "Back to Now" CD, Reynolds served as one of the executive producers. Kenneth's Entertainment company, PUBLIC RELATIONS+, has expanded to include production work with the Lang Lang Foundation, Co-Producer for the Black AIDS Institute's "Heroes in the Struggle," Event Director, 2015 AAFCA (African American Film Critics Association) Awards and work with Fitzgerald's Casino & Hotel and the Giving Back Corporation. He worked alongside Tony nominated, composer/arranger/conductor Harold Wheeler on several projects: "Celebrate the Dance," "The Jackson Family Honors," "There Are No Children Here" and the one woman show "Come Into My Life Hattie Winston." Reynolds is also the Co-Creator, and Producer of the Los Angeles based Faith Awards for Faith, Hope and Love Unlimited.