Communicator of the Year
Now an anticipated annual tradition, each April Interchange presents its Communicator of the Year Award to recognize a community leader or team of leaders who demonstrated effective, dynamic communication efforts in his or her organization and community. 
These individuals or teams of individuals are chosen because of their excellent work as communicators. Their efforts exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and have contributed directly to the informing and enriching of our community. The recipient of the Communicator of the Year Award does not have to be an Interchange member.
Suggestions for nominations are welcome throughout the season. Please send your suggestions to any of the Board Members of Interchange for our consideration.
Past Recipients
2011
Meegan Holland
Online Editor for The Grand Rapids Press, for her management of The Press online community and the removal of blog "trolls" who seek opportunities to post critical comments in response to stories.
Juliette Cowall
Founder of Girl's Lunch, an innovative networking event for professional women
2009
Spectrum Health Communications Team
Effective communication response to May 2009 AeroMed accident
2008
Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr.
Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent
2007
Martin Allen, Jr., Elaine K. Didier, Ph.D., and James Kratsas
Memorial and Funeral of President Gerald R. Ford
2006
Dr. Gaylen Byker & June Hammersma,
The Petra Exhibit at Calvin College
2005
Paul Haan
Project Coordinator for Get the Lead Out!
2004
Steve Wilson
Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau
2003
Bert Bleke
Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent
2002
Bruce Schedlbauer
Kent County Department of Aeronautics
2001
Juan Olivarez
Grand Rapids Community College President
2000
Ari Adler
Michigan Department of Transportation
1999
Jim O'Neil
The Paper
1998
Dirk Koning
Grand Rapids Community Media Center
1997
Shirley VanHoeven
Western Michigan University
1996
Judy Tremore
Metro Woman Magazine
1995
Deb Zondervan
Dispute Resolution Center