COTY 2026 Winner: Anne State
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Anne State, Director of Public Relations at Lifesharing, is a strategic and compassionate communicator whose work builds trust in the lifesaving mission of organ donation. As Lifesharing’s one-person public relations department, she leads with accuracy, transparency and a deep understanding of the human stories at the heart of the organization’s work. During one of the most challenging periods for the organ donation and transplantation community, Anne played a critical role in helping Lifesharing navigate national scrutiny and misinformation. She developed messaging and stakeholder communications that equipped leadership and staff to respond to negative news coverage, Congressional hearings and growing public concern while protecting Lifesharing’s reputation and maintaining trust in its mission. Anne is equally skilled at finding the stories that remind people why that mission matters. Her thoughtful approach to media relations has elevated the voices of donors, recipients and their families, including a moving story about a recipient meeting her donor’s family that generated 18 news stories and reached more than 280,000 people across television and online audiences. Her impact can be seen across Lifesharing’s communications. Anne spearheaded the organization’s new website, writing nearly all of its content and producing virtually all of its photography and video. Her media relations efforts generated 91 news stories and reached an audience 20 times larger than the previous year, while Lifesharing’s Instagram content garnered 1.5 million views. A former reporter and Emmy Award-winning storyteller, Anne brings journalistic instincts, creativity and genuine empathy to her work. Whether advising leadership during a crisis or sharing the story of a donor family, she understands that great communication can inform, reassure and connect people to a greater purpose. Anne State is a trusted leader, gifted storyteller and truly deserving Communicator of the Year. |
Communicator of the Year
Advertising - Ad Campaign Bronze
Silver
Advertising - Direct Mail Silver
Advertising - Multicultural Ad CampaignBronze
Silver
Gold
Advertising - Online/WebSilver
Gold
Advertising - OutdoorSilver
Gold
Advertising - Paid ProgrammingSilver
Advertising - PrintSilver
Gold
Advertising - TelevisionBronze
Silver
Gold
Analytics - Lifecycle MarketingBronze
Analytics - Marketing AutomationSilver
Gold
Digital Marketing - Email CampaignSilver
Digital Marketing - Influencer MarketingSilver
Gold
Digital Marketing - Mobile MarketingSilver
Digital Marketing - Search Engine MarketingGold
Digital Marketing - Social MediaBronze
Silver
Gold
Digital Marketing - Website (Intranet or Internet)Bronze
Silver
Gold
Multi-Media - Interactive MediaBronze
Silver
Gold
Multi-Media - Internal/External Video ProgramsBronze
Silver
Gold
Multi-Media - Video News ReleasesSilver
Off the Wall Bronze
Silver
Gold
Public Relations - Community RelationsBronze
Silver
Gold
Gold
Public Relations - Crisis CommunicationsSilver
Gold
| Public Relations - Health & Wellness Advocacy Bronze
Silver
Gold
Public Relations - Internal CommunicationsBronze
Silver
Gold
Public Relations - Media RelationsBronze
Silver
Gold
Public Relations - Multicultural RelationsBronze
Silver
Gold
Public Relations - Overall CampaignBronze
Silver
Silver
Gold
Publications, Collateral & Design - BrochuresBronze
Silver
Gold
Publications, Collateral & Design - Giveaway ItemsBronze
Silver
Gold
Publications, Collateral & Design - Internal/External MagazinesGold
Publications, Collateral & Design - Internal/External NewslettersBronze
Silver
Gold
Publications, Collateral & Design - Logo Creation/Brand IdentityBronze
Silver
Gold
Publications, Collateral & Design - Special PublicationsBronze
Silver
Gold
Special Events - Multi-Day Event or ObservanceBronze
Silver
Silver
Gold
Special Events - Single-Day Event or ObservanceBronze
Silver
Gold
Writing - Blog/VlogBronze
Silver
Gold
Writing - Bylined/Feature ArticleBronze
Silver
Gold
Writing - News Release/Pitch LetterSilver
Gold
Writing - Op-Ed/EditorialBronze
Silver
Gold
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