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Author: NSPRA Staff/Sunday, August 3, 2025/Categories: News
Each year, the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), in partnership with Finalsite, honors one outstanding professional whose leadership, service and strategic impact have strengthened school communities and elevated the field of school communication. In 2025, the honor belongs to Cindy Warner, APR, Public Relations and Community Education Supervisor for Shelby County Schools in Alabama, who was recently presented with the honor at the NSPRA 2025 National Seminar in Washington, D.C.
“Cindy’s work shows what happens when communication is treated as mission-critical to public education,” said NSPRA Executive Director Barbara M. Hunter, APR. “She’s helped transform her district’s communications and inspired professionals across the country with her mentorship, leadership and care.”
Over the past two decades, Warner has shaped public relations, crisis response and family engagement efforts for one of Alabama’s largest school systems, serving more than 21,000 students and 2,800 employees. Her work reflects national trends in school communication, from prioritizing student mental health and attendance to incorporating research-based messaging strategies and inclusive, multi-platform engagement.
Warner’s work exemplifies the power of school communication to build trust and support student well-being, outcomes backed by decades of research showing that active family engagement leads to higher grades, better attendance and improved emotional health.
Notable highlights from Warner’s career include:
Warner is also a three-time president of the Alabama School Public Relations Association (ALSPRA), a former Southeast Region Vice President for NSPRA and a dedicated volunteer and board member for multiple community nonprofit organizations.
“Cindy Warner is a trusted member of my executive cabinet and a confidant,” said Dr. Lewis Brooks, Superintendent of Shelby County Schools. “She is a reliable presence in times of (both) celebration and crisis…(and) our ability to effectively communicate has gotten exponentially better under her direction.”
In her acceptance remarks at NSPRA 2025, Warner shared her gratitude and reflected on the educators, mentors and students who shaped her journey.
“Thank you for letting me represent you as Communicator of the Year,” she said. “I promise to continue doing everything I can to elevate public education because I’m proud to be a product of it.”
Read a full recap of the 2025 School Communicator of the Year Award presentation at the NSPRA National Seminar in the July 22 issue of the Seminar Scoop newsletter.
Explore Cindy Warner’s 2025 School Communicator of the Year finalist profile to learn more about her career, leadership and lasting impact on school communication.
In addition to Warner, three other finalists were recognized as part of this year’s national award program:
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You can find a full list of all school communicators who were submitted as nominees for the national award from their state or regional chapter at https://nspra.co/4fljR8c.
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