Professional Achievement Awards
Learn more about the 2021 Edward L. Bernays Award submissions here.
2021 Edward L. Bernays Award Recipient
Susan Spruce, APR
Public Relations and Communications Manager
Northern Light Health
The 2021 Bernays Award winner is described by her peers as a pragmatic, energetic, and
compassionate woman from Aroostook County, who has established herself as a leading expert
in crisis communications, media relations, and brand reputation management.
She began her career in broadcast news, spending time as both a news director and managing
editor, and after two decades she moved to healthcare communications. In 2001, she assumed
the role of senior communication specialist at Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems. She quickly
became a valuable member of the communications department and moved up the ranks to
director in 2005, and then to her current role as associate vice president and chief
communication officer in 2012. This year’s Bernays Award recipient is credited with turning the
once ‘party planning’ department into a well-respected, fully functioning, strategic
communication team that is a significant resource to the executive suite. Her dedication in
redeveloping the department earned her the distinction of becoming the first communication
leader to be given the title vice president at the Northern Light Health corporate office.
Her colleagues say if there is one saying that this year’s Bernays Awards Winner is known for, it
is “tell it first; tell it right.” No matter the crisis, she guides those she advises to uphold
communication ethics to the highest of standards with no exception. Her calm, trusting
demeanor and strong work ethic has earned her the credit of being a trusted advisor to not just
the CEO and the top leaders across her system but to the city of Bangor as well, where she
serves as vice chair for the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In
addition, she has guided her team towards achieving numerous regional recognitions through
the NE Society for Healthcare Communications Lamplighter awards, including a Gold for Ebola
Preparedness and a Silver in Crisis Communication for Infection Control.
If leading her department though daily challenges wasn’t enough, she also spear-headed a lofty
rebranding transformation in 2018.
For these reasons alone, this year’s Bernays Award recipient is truly a worthy candidate.
However there is more. Above and beyond her individual efforts, accolades, and successes,
her passion and commitment for mentoring is truly remarkable and thoroughly impressed the
MPRC nominating committee. She volunteers her time to speak to classes at both the
University of Maine and Husson University about communication ethics, crisis communication,
and strategic communication planning. She has also lead discussions and presented at Maine
Public Relations Council events and has personally supported many of her teammates earning
their accreditation in public relations. She is playing a leading role in developing the next
generation of public relations professionals. I am proud to congratulate Susan Spruce, APR,
for being selected as the 2021 Bernays Award recipient.
MPRC President’s Award
2021 Recipient: Sarah Delage
Director Of Public Relations and Communications
University of New England
PAST WINNERS
2020 – Michelle Clements
2019 – Eric Blom
2018 – Paul Badeau
2017 – Nancy Robert, APR
2016 – John Lamb, APR
2015 – Linda Varrell, APR
2014 – No submissions received
2013 – No submissions received
2012 – Susan Tompkins
2011 – Nancy Marshall
2010 – Jon Paradis
2009 – John Diamond
2008 – Russ Donahue
2007 – Wayne Clark
2006 – Dan Marois
2005 – Midge Vreeland, APR
2004 – Michael Bourque, APR
2003 – Tony Payne
2002 – Kathleen Duris Tarbox, APR
2001 – Linda Frechette
2000 – Judy Katzel, APR
1999 – Stephen H. McCausland
1998 – Mark Ishkanian, APR
1997 – Dick Dyer, APR
1996 – Meredith Strang Burgess
1995 – Deborah Hammond
1994 – Susan Swain
1993 – Edward O’Meara
1992 – Leslie Gall
1991 – Shelley Dunn
1990 – Robert Caswell
1988 – Dan Davidson, APR
1987 – Chip Carey
1986 – James Harnar, APR
1985 – John McCatherin
1984 – Bill Harkins & Kate Perry
1983 – Ron Palmquist