2017 Communicator of Achievement Pamela Knudson
Pamela Knudson, features reporter for the Grand Forks Herald, has been named the North Dakota Professional Communicators 2017 communicator of achievement.
NPDC is an organization of men and women employed in all aspects of communication that works to advance the communication profession. Communicator of achievement is the highest honor NDPC bestows. It recognizes members for their accomplishments in and outside of the communication profession.
Knudson has been an active member of NDPC for 11 years and has served in numerous positions, including president and Northeast District director. Several years ago, she organized a fall retreat at Cavalier, N.D., and more recently she organized an NDPC spring conference in her district.
In the fall of 2014, she organized a local chapter, Northern Valley Marketing & Communication Professionals, to provide a networking opportunity for these professionals.
As a features reporter, Knudson primarily writes human interest stories that spotlight a wide range of topics, but almost always touch on personal experiences as a common thread -- whether they are stories of extraordinary challenges people face, victories they’ve won, or just something they’re doing that’s out of the ordinary.
According to Janelle Vonasek, enterprise editor at the Grand Forks Herald, Knudson makes readers feel connected.
“Whether it's a feature story or an in-depth look at a health care topic, she has an incredible knack for engaging readers and breaking down complex issues,” Vonasek said. “Her stories seem to invite readers in for a cup of coffee.”
Recently, Knudson began writing a weekly column, "Out & About," which highlights upcoming arts, entertainment and recreation events.
Prior to joining the Grand Forks Herald, Knudson worked for 27 years at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences where she served as a media relations officer and editor/writer for a publication aimed at enhancing support for the school among its constituents and the public.
Knudson holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead and attended graduate school at North Dakota State University where she studied textiles and clothing and, later, organizational communication. After earning an undergraduate degree at MSUM, she was employed as a public information officer for Mary College in Bismarck and later for St. Cloud State University.
Knudson’s talent as a writer can be seen in the numerous awards she has received from both NDPC and National Federation of Press Women, including the 2016 NFPW Sweepstakes Award.
Knudson will be NDPC’s nominee for the communicator of achievement award at the National Federation of Press Women conference Sept. 7–9, 2017, in Birmingham, Ala.
