Article Archives
Article Categories
Articles
2026 Cumbre Awards Recap
New Mexico communicators recognized for excellence at 2026 Cumbre Awards
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico’s public relations and communications professionals were recognized for standout campaigns, innovative tactics and service to the profession at the 2026 Cumbre Awards, held Sept. 25 in Albuquerque.
The New Mexico Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America presented awards to agencies, organizations and individuals whose work demonstrated excellence in research, strategy, implementation and evaluation. This year, 17 agencies and organizations submitted entries, which were independently judged by members of the Rochester, N.Y., PRSA chapter.
The Cumbre Awards — named for the Spanish word for “peak” — recognize the highest levels of achievement in New Mexico’s public relations and communications profession.
Among this year’s top honors:
-
SUNNY505 received the Best of Show/Gold Campaign Award for its Westside Grand Opening campaign, developed with the YMCA of Central New Mexico ahead of the opening of its new Westside Albuquerque facility.
-
PK Public Relations earned Best of Show/Gold for From Awareness to Action: Redesigning DoseofReality.com to Connect New Mexicans with Treatment in the Websites/External category.
-
The University of New Mexico received Best of Show/Gold for Breaking the Ice: UNM Students Launch New Mexico’s First Collegiate Women’s Ice Hockey Team in the Video category.
-
Sandia National Laboratories received Best of Show/Gold for From Code to Cone: AIRES Tide Social Media Tactic in the Social Media category.
Read full list of Cumbre Award winners >>
Recognizing leaders in the profession
NMPRSA also honored individuals whose contributions extend beyond individual campaigns.
Cameron Grimm, APR, an independent practitioner, was named 2026 Ted B. Sherwin Member of the Year for her active involvement with NMPRSA, service to the APR accreditation process and advocacy for the public relations profession.
Cody Johnson of the New Mexico Tourism Department received the 2026 Greg Johnston Board Member of the Year Award for his contributions to the NMPRSA board, including program development, member strategy and outreach.
Pamm Meyers received the 2026 DEI Leadership Award, while Nadine Buerger, executive director of the ARNIA Foundation, received the 2026 Jennifer Riordan Community Service Award.
The Lee and Marie Hirst Vista Award, NMPRSA’s lifetime achievement honor, was presented to Karli Massey, APR, recognizing more than 25 years of leadership and achievement in public relations and communications.
“The work recognized at Cumbre reflects the depth, creativity and strategic value of communications professionals across New Mexico,” said April Hale, NMPRSA president. “These campaigns and the people behind them are making a meaningful difference for organizations, communities and the profession.”
The 2026 Cumbre Awards were presented as part of NMPRSA’s annual celebration of excellence in public relations and communications. The awards recognize both individual public relations tactics and comprehensive campaigns that demonstrate strategic planning, execution and measurable results.
Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsors:
JKPR | NM Native Vote
SANDIA PEAK TRAMWAY
