In recognition of his contributions to strengthening the role of public relations, John W. (Jack) Felton will be presented the Arthur W. Page Society's Distinguished Service Award at the organization's Annual Conference, which is being held September 22-24, 2002 at The Sagamore in Bolton's Landing, NY.

Felton is currently the Freedom Forum Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications. He also serves as President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations which is headquartered at the University.

A long-time corporate public relations executive, Felton worked for United States Steel Corporation and Interstate Brands Corporation before becoming, in 1977, corporate vice president at the McCormick Spice Company, a job he held until 1995.

During his tenure at McCormick, Felton received the 'Outstanding Public Relations Professional Award' from the State of Maryland and was named 'Outstanding Professional of the Year' by PR News. He also served two terms as president of the Public Relations Society of America, the only person to have that distinction. In 1992, he was the recipient of the Gold Anvil, PRSA's highest award.

Long interested in public relations education, Felton received the first David Ferguson Award for 'outstanding contributions to PR education' from the Educators Academy of PRSA. At the University of Florida, he teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses in the public relations sequence.

Since assuming the leadership of the Institute for Public Relations, Felton has made the Institute one of the premier research organizations in the profession with special emphasis on public relations measurement and evaluation.

Felton becomes the third recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Betsy Ann Plank was the inaugural winner in 2000 and Pat Jackson was presented the award posthumously the following year.