A Legacy of Leadership: Remembering Rosalee Roberts, APR, Fellow PRSA
PRSA Nebraska mourns the passing of Rosalee Roberts, APR, Fellow PRSA, who died on July 29, 2025, at age 81. Rosalee’s contributions to the PR profession span more than five decades, and her influence will continue to shape generations of communicators to come.
Rosalee joined our chapter in 1975 and served as President of PRSA Nebraska in 1989. She went on to become PRSA’s National President in 1992 — the first and only Nebraskan and just the third Midwesterner ever elected to that position. Her role at the helm of the then 20,000-member organization took her across the country, speaking, advising and advocating for the value of strategic communications.
In 1994, Rosalee was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows, the highest honor the organization bestows. Her decades of experience included leadership roles at Bozell, Children’s Healthcare Services and the launch of her own consultancy, Rosalee Roberts Public Relations, in 1999. Her firm served clients in healthcare, food, entertainment, technology and beyond.
Throughout her career, she combined strategic skill with creative flair, helping clients increase visibility, reach audiences and achieve award-winning results.
“She is a PR legend and someone I greatly admire,” said PRSA Nebraska President LeAnne Morman, APR. “I worked with her frequently on stories as a young journalist at WOWT and enjoyed getting to know her over the years. She gave so much to our industry, and we’re all better for it.”
In 2018, she was recognized by the Broadway League as Publicist of the Year for her work with Omaha Performing Arts. She also served several organizations in volunteer roles over the years and was honored by the Omaha Press Club as a “Face on the Barroom Floor” for her impact in the community.
Beyond the recognition and outstanding work for clients and the community, Rosalee was a mentor, cheerleader and consistent source of encouragement.
“Rosalee was always willing to lend her ear or give advice,” said PRSA Nebraska Past President Monique Farmer, APR. “I remember on several occasions just reaching out to her with PR questions early in my career. She will be sincerely missed — not just by our chapter, but by the entire industry.”
“Our chapter has never had a bigger booster than she was,” said PRSA Nebraska Chapter Administrator Joe Pittman.
Her impact is vast, and we are honored to have had her as part of our chapter, our history and our hearts. Our profession is stronger because of the leadership and contributions of Rosalee.
We extend our deepest condolences to Rosalee’s family, friends, colleagues and all who were fortunate to know her.
