Ellen Boyd has been named the 2026 Barry Gaskins Service Award winner. Boyd was most recently the Executive Director of the North Carolina Schools Public Relations Association before retiring in December 2025. Prior to that, she enjoyed a career that spanned almost three decades as the Director of Community Relations for Kannapolis City Schools.

Boyd assumed the leadership role at NCSPRA at a pivotal time according to Todd Hagans, former NCSPRA President. "Not only did she have to become acquainted with her new duties and responsibilities, she had to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic when everything happened virtually. She worked closely with then NCSPRA President Ken Derksen and the Board of Directors to “think outside the box” when it came to serving our membership since in-person public meetings and gatherings were discouraged. Because of her vision, creativity, and adaptability, professional development opportunities for members continued, engagement – albeit virtually – continued, and support and resources continued. From Zoom seminars and podcasts to online resources and regular email updates, Ellen kept continuity for NCSPRA during an unprecedented and challenging time. She believed it was necessary to engage members as much as possible because she understood that school PR people needed NCSPRA to be a source of strength during uncertainty. Perhaps more important, Ellen used the time during the “pandemic shutdown” to plan and develop strategies and processes to improve our organization and take it to a higher level – which she did with skill and ease."

Hagans, who is currently the Chief Communications Officer for Gaston County Schools, nominated Boyd and presented her with the special award on March 6, 2026 at the annual NCSPRA Blue Ribbon Awards Ceremony and Brunch. This year, the event was held at the Guilford County Schools Community Education Center.

"Today, NCSPRA is financially sound because of Ellen Boyd’s efforts, insight, and understanding that the organization’s finances must be paramount, Hagans added. "If you know Ellen Boyd and have had the opportunity to work alongside her, you know that she is a hard worker, a task master, and a take-charge person. She knows how to connect with people and does it with a pleasant personality and can-do attitude. Her personal attributes are as admirable as her professional ones. People just like Ellen Boyd – I have never heard anyone say anything bad about her. Like many others, I am so proud to have her as a friend and colleague in the school communications profession."

Current NCSPRA President, Dr. Tracey Helton said, “Ellen Boyd’s leadership has left a lasting mark on NCSPRA. “Serving as executive director since 2020, she has guided our organization with heart, vision and an unwavering commitment to strengthening school public relations across North Carolina and beyond. Ellen has long been a constant presence in our chapter throughout her career, and we are incredibly grateful for the dedication she has shown. It is an honor to recognize her as the recipient of the Barry Gaskins Award.”

The Barry Gaskins Award recognizes individuals for their significant and outstanding contributions to school public relations and communications. The award is named in memory of Barry Gaskins, the first public information officer for Pitt County Schools in Greenville, who was known to so many people as “Mr. School Public Relations.” He served NCSPRA in leadership roles and took his vision to the national level, serving as president of the National School Public Relations Association.