By Evan Yang -

King County has recognized Rita Brogan (BA, 1972; MA, 1975), owner and CEO of PRR, Inc., with the 2011 award for King County Woman-owned Small Business of the Year. Since 1988, Brogan has been owner and CEO of PRR, Inc., a public affairs and communications firm that emphasizes community building and the environment with offices in Seattle and Washington, D.C.

“My concept for PRR was to create a business that would be devoted to giving people the information and tools they need to participate constructively in civic life, and to give decision-makers information and tools so that they can be more responsive to the communities they serve.” Brogan said what makes her most proud is “building a business that is contributing every day to the health of our people, planet and place.”

Brogan earned her bachelor’s degree in editorial journalism, her master’s degree in communications theory and methodology, and her ABD in higher education administration in 1978, all of which she received at the University of Washington.

Soon after attaining her master’s degree, she co-founded Communication Design, Inc. and was president from 1976-82. After that, she spent significant time serving King County in the public sector. From 1982-84 she worked as special assistant to the executive at the King County Executive Office, then from 1984-89 she worked at Metro Transit Department, most recently as superintendent of public transportation development.

Brogan is also a member of the Downtown Seattle Association Board of Directors, Municipal League of King County Advisory Board, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, University of Washington Graduate School Advisory Board, Women’s Transportation Seminar, Northwest Learning and Achievement Group, and International Association for Public Participation.