Washington Women in PR: Debra Silimeo, Washington PR Woman of the Year

Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), the first and only D.C. based professional organization advancing women in the communications industry, has awarded Debra Silimeo, senior vice president, Hager Sharp, with the 2010 “Washington PR Woman of the Year.”

At Hager Sharp, Debra Silimeo directs the firm’s Education and Public Safety Practices, designs and manages national public affairs efforts and provides strategic communications counsel to the firm’s clients. Major clients include the U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Educational Progress – widely known as “The Nation’s Report Card” – for which Hager Sharp provides a full range of communications assistance. She serves as corporate manager and creative director for the U.S. Fire Administration’s fire safety efforts, which have earned several campaign awards, including a Telly. Her public safety portfolio also includes the Ad Council’s campaign to prevent teen reckless driving, which utilizes new media and viral marketing efforts to reach a highly media savvy audience.

The Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) award is a significant addition to Debra Silimeo’s credentials and accolades. Silimeo was lauded for her leadership in public relations and her significant contributions to helping people live healthier, safer and smarter lives. Silimeo was selected from a panel of judges who nominated three final honorees based on their exceptional leadership and integrity to their fields, as well as their community involvement. Selected as honorees were Donna Vincent Roa, PhD, ABC, CSR-P, managing partner and chief strategist, Vincent Roa Group LLC, and Johanna Schneider, executive director-external relations, Business Roundtable.

Debra is an active member of the Washington Women in Public Relations, she participates in the Girl Scout’s National Capital Region’s Camp CEO to connect Girl Scouts to women business and community leaders, served as a judge of the National Women’s Political Caucus’ annual EMMA awards, and is a Montgomery County precinct chair.

Too bad they don’t make a PR award for a genuine smile, a warm heart and courage to hang out with a moose – featured, you see Debra’s Facebook profile picture, that shows the spirit behind the corporate face.