Public Relations Society presents Ron Schmidt Community Involvement Award to MLF head David Lucas

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Public Relations Society’s Oregon chapter presented its prestigious Ron Schmidt Community Involvement Award to Maurice Lucas Foundation Executive Director David Lucas.

The presentation was part of the chapter’s annual Spotlight Awards held virtually Dec. 3, 2020. The award honors an individual or an organization who has made outstanding use of public relations to support community improvement and important causes, engage others and further the practice and innovation of public relations.

The award is named for someone who has had a regional and national impact on the public relations profession. The Oregonian once pointed out the award’s namesake served for nearly 30 years as an aide to Oregon Gov. Tom McCall and then as the owner of the state’s biggest and most influential public relations firm.

“Ron Schmidt stood at the center of public policy in business, government and the arts,” the newspaper stated.

In selecting David for the award, the PRSA chapter described him as “an enthusiastic advocate” for helping youth realize their individual potential through education and sport.

“Lucas uses his communication and advocacy skills to empower Oregon’s young people. He is committed to uplifting all so that everyone has a seat at the table,” the chapter stated.

In addition to leading the Maurice Lucas Foundation, David also serves on the Portland Trail Blazers Foundation’s Board of Professionals and the Providence Milwaukie Foundation Board. Last year he also received the Liberty & Hope Award from the League of Minority Voters in Portland. In 2018 the Portland Business Journal recognized him as one of the top 40 business leaders in Portland under the age of 40.