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May 14, 2024
GREEN BAY – As a public relations professional, Meghan Finger is used to putting other people and topics in the spotlight.
But Green Bay Water Utility’s education and outreach coordinator is garnering attention of her own after winning the 2024 WisCOMsin Young Professional of the Year Award.
The WisCOMsin Awards are awarded annually by the Madison and Northeast Wisconsin chapters of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
Finger, who joined Green Bay Water Utility in early 2022, said she was ecstatic to be recognized by her peers.
“I am so incredibly honored to be recognized not only as a PR professional but as a young professional as well,” she said. “I am super grateful for all the kind words I’ve received since winning, and I am happy to represent Northeast Wisconsin with this award.”
Finger graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) with a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations.
While attending UWGB, she said she joined the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), which helped her land an internship with Green Bay Area Public Schools and Green Bay Water.
Meghan Finger
After graduating, Finger said Green Bay Water’s education and outreach coordinator role opened, so she applied, and she got it.
“I’ve always loved working with people and sharing stories, which is something I get to do every day in my job as I share the story of where our water comes from – Lake Michigan – and the importance of having safe, clean water available to drink,” she said. “I never thought I would work at a water utility, but it has been a good fit.”
In her role at Green Bay Water, Finger said she wears multiple hats, from leading an education program in schools to handling the utility’s social media accounts.
She also works with the Green Bay Fire Department on its Hydro Helpers program, where people can adopt fire hydrants and ensure they are shoveled or plowed out after snowfalls.
Finger said she attends multiple community events, such as the recent family STEM event held at UWGB, where she shares information about the city’s water.
During warmer weather months, she said she brings along the Water Monster, a giant water cooler where people can easily fill up their water bottles.
Finger said she also hands out a lot of water bottles to encourage people to drink water and stay hydrated.
“Water is one of the most vital resources we have, and it’s important to protect it,” she said. “We also have a public health mission, which goes beyond providing people with clean, safe water to drink, but also encourages them to drink more water, since it’s so important to their overall health.”
Getting a head start
While a member of PRSSA at UWGB, Finger said she served on the organization’s board of directors and also led its social media.
“Being a part of PRSSA opened my eyes to the variety of careers available in PR,” she said.
When she landed her permanent role at Green Bay Water Utility, Finger said she joined PRSA of Northeast Wisconsin and now serves as the group’s social media chair.
“PRSA provides so many opportunities for people to go out into the community and attend different events where you not only get to meet new people but also learn more about the overall community,” she said.
Finger said there are many career opportunities in the PR field – from working at an agency focused on PR to working in the PR department at a corporation to working in PR at a nonprofit or a water utility.
“There are so many different opportunities available,” she said.
Supportive industry
Kristin Rozek, a communications specialist with the Howard-Suamico School District (HSSD), nominated Finger for the Young Professional Award – praising how quickly she became involved with the organization.
“Meghan has volunteered countless hours of her time, energy and expertise to make our chapter successful,” Rozek said. “In addition to being an excellent communicator, Meghan is gifted at graphic design.”
Rozek said she first met Finger when she interned with the Green Bay Area Public School District, where Rozek used to work before starting at HSSD.
“The graphics she has created in her social media chair role have greatly enhanced the professionalism of our chapter,” she said. “Her efforts have expanded the reach and engagement on all of the PRSA Northeast Wisconsin social media channels.”
In addition to the regular meetings, PRSA also provides mentoring opportunities and workshops to help members learn more about different areas of public relations along with the latest trends and tools.
Meghan Finger said during warmer weather months, she brings along the Water Monster, a giant water cooler where people can easily fill up their water bottles. Submitted Photo
Rozek said she was matched with Finger through PRSA’s mentoring program.
“Since the beginning of our match, Meghan has been an advocate for the mentorship program and is always trying to come up with new and creative ways to market the program and introduce more matches,” Rozek said. “Her commitment to improving the PRSA Northeast Wisconsin member experience and fostering strong relationships in the communications industry is commendable.”
Other local PRSA winners
In addition to Finger, a handful of other local PR professionals were recognized with 2024 WisCOMsin Awards.
Recipients include:
Howard-Suamico Schools won the multimedia category for its “Fighting for Heart” campaign.
Red Shoes Inc. in Appleton was recognized in the PR and media relations tools category for its persistent pitching to target audience in a top-tier national publication.
Element of De Pere won in the special events category for its 20th-anniversary celebration campaign.
