Chelsea Bennett, a Columbia, South Carolina native and first-generation entrepreneur, is gaining national attention after her agency, Ivey Palmer PR, earned both an Award of Excellence and the prestigious Best in Show honor at the 2026 Mercury Awards during the firm’s first year in business.
The recognition marks a significant milestone not only for the boutique strategic communications agency, but also for representation within the public relations industry. Based on available records and institutional knowledge from current leadership within the organization, Ivey Palmer PR is believed to be the first Black-owned agency to receive the Best in Show distinction in the association’s nearly 60-year history.
Founded in January 2025, Ivey Palmer PR was built on nearly two decades of Bennett’s experience leading strategic communications initiatives across government, nonprofit, community health, and private sector organizations throughout South Carolina.
The award-winning campaign was developed for Global Core Strategies & Consulting’s UnPacked Leadership Conference. As the agency’s inaugural client and first-ever award submission, the campaign’s success represents a rare achievement in the communications industry: earning the highest honor from a professional association on a debut entry.
“This moment is bigger than an award,” said Bennett, founder and chief executive officer of Ivey Palmer PR. “As a Black woman entrepreneur, a Columbia native, and a first-generation college graduate, I understand how important visibility and representation are. I hope this achievement reminds other entrepreneurs and creatives that they belong in these spaces, too.”
The Mercury Awards, administered by the South Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (SCPRSA), recognize excellence in public relations and communications across South Carolina. Best in Show represents the organization’s highest honor and is awarded to the top overall campaign submission.
“Ivey Palmer PR approached the UnPacked Leadership Conference with strategic excellence and consistency from start to finish, and this Best in Show honor reflects exactly the kind of agency they are,” said Ron Harvey, vice president of Global Core Strategies & Consulting. “When we said yes to partnering with Ivey Palmer PR, we were saying yes to an agency built on talent, integrity, and a commitment to doing the work at the highest level, and that trust was rewarded many times over.”
Before launching her agency, Bennett spent more than 15 years in public service and communications leadership, helping organizations navigate crisis response, community engagement, reputation management, and large-scale public initiatives. She earned her Master of Arts in Strategic Communication from the University of Delaware and has become known for her people-centered approach to communications strategy and storytelling.
Since launching, Ivey Palmer PR has partnered with organizations across the nonprofit, education, hospitality, government, and community health sectors to help clients strengthen visibility, build trust, and create meaningful impact through strategic communications.
“This recognition reinforces what can happen when preparation meets opportunity,” Bennett added. “We may be a new agency, but this work was built on years of experience, discipline, and belief in what’s possible.”
About Ivey Palmer PR
Ivey Palmer PR is a boutique strategic communications agency based in Lexington specializing in public relations, brand development, crisis communications, reputation management, and community-centered storytelling. Founded by communications strategist Chelsea Bennett, the agency is built on nearly two decades of experience leading strategic communications initiatives across government, nonprofit, community health, and private sector organizations. Ivey Palmer PR partners with clients to strengthen visibility, protect reputation, and build meaningful campaigns through thoughtful strategy and purposeful storytelling. Learn more at www.iveypalmerpr.com.
Chelsea Bennett Receives Award From Meredith Houck, SCPRSA Chapter President