FPRA also honors rising leader Emily McCarthy and a statewide public affairs campaign
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — August 12, 2026 — Sachs Media took home the Gold Pinnacle Award for Agency of the Year last night at the Florida Public Relations Association’s 2026 Golden Image Awards, one of three statewide honors the firm earned, alongside a Silver Pinnacle Award for Young Professional of the Year for Account Manager Emily McCarthy and an Award of Distinction for a campaign that helped protect Florida’s childhood vaccine safeguards.
The wins cap a milestone year for Sachs Media, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026. The Tallahassee-founded firm now serves clients in more than 35 states and this year launched SachsHEALTH, a specialized healthcare and life sciences practice.
“These awards capture so much of what makes this 30th anniversary meaningful for us,” said Drew Piers, President and Partner at Sachs Media. “They recognize the strength of the firm we’ve built over three decades, work that is making an impact, and talented young leaders like Emily who represent where Sachs Media is headed next.”
Four years ago, McCarthy joined Sachs Media as an intern. Last night, FPRA named her Young Professional of the Year. In between, she’s taken on major client work, including communications for HCA Healthcare’s employee advocacy network, and helped lead the firm’s efforts to train staff on the practical and ethical use of AI.
Sachs Media’s third honor, an Award of Distinction in Public Affairs, went to “Protecting Florida’s Kids: A Rapid-Response Campaign to Defend Vaccine Safeguards.” The campaign mobilized a statewide coalition to oppose proposed changes to Florida’s childhood vaccine requirements.
“What a trio of honors to be named Agency of the Year, to see a valued colleague named Young Professional of the Year, and for our work to protect Florida kids to earn statewide recognition,” said CEO Michelle Ubben. “I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”
The Florida Public Relations Association’s Golden Image Awards recognize outstanding public relations programs and professionals from across the state.