This week, O’Connell & Goldberg was recognized with the prestigious Award of Distinction at the Florida Public Relations Association’s (FPRA) Golden Image Awards Gala in Tampa. This honor was awarded in the Division A / Category A10: Reputation Management category for the outstanding work completed for O&G client, Education Affiliates.
The FPRA Golden Image Awards are highly regarded in the public relations industry, celebrating innovation, creativity, and excellence. This recognition underscores the importance of strategic reputation management, particularly for Education Affiliates, one of the largest medical, dental, and skilled trades education programs in the U.S. With 36 campuses and more than 25 programs under the Education Affiliates umbrella, maintaining a positive online reputation is crucial.
In 2023, the O&G team faced significant challenges with the existing review platform for Education Affiliates. Persistent issues with review aggregation, system outages, and reporting inaccuracies jeopardized the ability to effectively monitor and manage online reviews. These glitches posed a serious risk, as negative or false reviews can have severe consequences, including impacting regulatory compliance and accreditation status.
Understanding the critical nature of this situation, the O&G team initiated what became affectionately termed the “Reputation Migration.” Within five months, O&G transitioned Education Affiliates to a new, more reliable platform. This swift and strategic action not only prevented further damage but also resulted in improved online reviews and an overall enhanced reputation for Education Affiliates.
“This award is a testament to O&G’s dedication and expertise in navigating complex challenges and delivering impactful results for clients,” said Barbara W. Goldberg, O&G’s CEO and Founder. “We are incredibly proud of the work we do, and this recognition by FPRA further motivates us to continue striving for excellence in everything we do.”















