Kristin Netterstrom Higgins of Bryant, Arkansas, was recognized as a nominee for the 2025 Communicator of Achievement Award from the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW). The honor, given annually for 67 years, is the organization’s highest individual award.
Netterstrom Higgins was one of nine nominees honored during NFPW’s annual conference, held Sept. 11-13 in Golden, Colorado. Now in its 88th year, NFPW is a nationwide organization of professional communicators working across journalism, public relations, marketing, broadcasting, and related fields.
The Communicator of Achievement award recognizes members who have distinguished themselves within the communications field and through service to NFPW and their communities. Nominees are selected by state affiliates and represent the top communicators in the nation. Donna Bryson of Denver, Colorado., national affairs editor for Reuters, was chosen from among the nominees as NFPW’s 2025 Communicator of Achievement.
Netterstrom Higgins serves as a program associate and leader of the Extension Public Policy Center at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. She directs the Arkansas Ballot Issue Education Program, which provides nonpartisan, fact-based resources to help voters navigate complex election issues.
She has dedicated more than two decades to journalism and public service. Before joining the Public Policy Center in 2012, she spent 10 years as a journalist covering local government and crime. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in agricultural education and extension from the University of Arkansas and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in public policy.
A longtime member of Arkansas Press Women (APW) and NFPW, Netterstrom Higgins has held numerous leadership roles, including seven years as APW president. She now serves as immediate past president and co-director of the state communications contest.
“Kristin has been an incredible asset to Arkansas Press Women, serving in nearly every leadership capacity possible,” said Angie Faller, APW president. “Her dedication to the organization and to the field of communications is unmatched, and we are honored to recognize her with this award.”
At the national level, she was elected secretary of NFPW during the 2025 conference and previously co-chaired the organization’s national conference. Her contributions have strengthened both APW and NFPW, advancing their mission to support and uplift journalists and communicators.
Reflecting on her recognition, Netterstrom Higgins said, “I’m honored to have been recognized as the Arkansas Communicator of Achievement and nominated for National Communicator of Achievement. The judges had a hard job because all the other women recognized tonight are amazing.”