fred cookPRSA has granted a Gold Anvil, the group's highest individual award, to Golin CEO Fred Cook in recognition of his lifetime achievement and contributions made to the professionals.

"Fred is a visionary leader who has helped drive forward our profession through his work at Golin," said Joe Cohen, 2014 PRSA national chair.

Cook has worked for Golin for more than 25 years, starting as account supervisor in Los Angeles before becoming the Interpublic unit's third CEO.

He developed branding campaigns for Visa, Amazon.com and Southwest Airlines, handled crisis for Walt Disney Co., and international efforts for Singapore Tourism Promotion Board and Canon.

Cook has addressed dozens of PRSA and PRSSA groups throughout the country following the release of his book, "Improvise–Unconventional Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO."

Cook will receive the Gold Anvil next week at PRSA's annual conference slated for Washington.