March 16, 2010 -- The Memphis Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) today named Meri Armour, president and CEO of Le Bonheur Childrens Medical Center, as its 2009 Communicator of the Year.

Armour was honored at the chapters monthly luncheon at the Fogelman Executive Center on the University of Memphis campus. About 100 local public relations practitioners from corporate, agency and non-profit organizations, as well as area business leaders attended the luncheon.

The award is presented to a member of the community who exhibits the ability to communicate effectively to general or specific publics; has public visibility as a communicator; is a respected member of the community; and invests his or her time and talent communicating a specific message or messages.

Since becoming the president and CEO in 2007, Armour has effectively communicated both internally and externally her vision for the childrens hospital. In 2009, she led efforts to align the hospital with key local organizations; successfully guided fund-raising efforts for the $340-million building set to open in June, and effectively built support within the organization for her 10-year plan.

Armour was saluted Wednesday by past award winner, Allie Prescott; Dr. Steve Schwab, interim chancellor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center; and Jennilyn Utkov, administrative director of marketing and communications at Le Bonheur. The Communicator of the Year award was established in 1976. Bud Dudley, founder of the Liberty Bowl, was the first recipient. The list of honorees includes John Calipari, Kevin Kane, My Harrison, Dr. Carol Johnson, Arnold Perl, Deanie Parker, W.W. Herenton, Gayle Rose, and Allie Prescott.