PA Turnpike Director of Communications Honored for Public Relations Excellence
PA Turnpike Director of Communications Honored for Public Relations Excellence
Middletown, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike)’s Director of Communications, Leslie L. Gervasio, is being recognized for her exceptional commitment, professional excellence and active community involvement.
Gervasio will receive the Pennsylvania Public Relations Society’s (PPRS) highest honor, the Ernest R. McDowell Award, during the PPRS 75th Anniversary Celebration and Evening of Honors on November 8, 2025, at the Carlisle Country Club.
“Leslie is a highly dedicated and skilled communications professional whose expertise and drive to get things right have greatly improved our customers’ experience on the PA Turnpike,” said PA Turnpike Chief Strategy and Communications Officer Kelli Roberts. “We’re proud to see her hard work and commitment recognized with this well-deserved honor.”
Gervasio has more than 20 years of experience in state and local government communications. Since joining the PA Turnpike in 2024, Gervasio has managed and directed the agency’s internal and external communication strategies, including high-impact public awareness campaigns such as the rollout of Open Road Tolling and Go Orange Work Zone Safety Awareness.
An avid, self-professed “news junkie” from an early age, Gervasio’s desire to make a difference led her to pursue opportunities in government.
She began her career as a newspaper journalist but quickly realized her passion lay in using her writing, organization and storytelling skills to affect local government.
“Most of the government’s impact on your life happens close to home,” she said. “As a public relations professional, you have the opportunity to advance that through policy change, public engagement, strategic programs and so much more.”
She served as PPRS president in 2024 and is its current secretary. At the same time, she served a two-year term as president of the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC). Beyond her professional achievements, Gervasio is also an enthusiastic mentor of the next generation of public relations and communications professionals. She is also a passionate animal welfare advocate who participates in a variety of local, regional and national activities.
“PPRS offers great opportunities to network, learn from your peers, mentor and share best practices,” Gervasio said. “Everyone there understands our jobs pose unique challenges and are always evolving. Through PPRS, I’ve had access to government entities, private sector corporations, large and small businesses and individual practitioners.”
A graduate of Clarion University of PA (now PennWest Clarion), Gervasio double majored in Communications and Spanish. She has additional certifications in Spanish from the Universidad de San José, Costa Rica, and in association management from the American Society of Association Executives.
Prior to joining the PA Turnpike, she served in a variety of high-level government and private sector public relations roles, including as a senior public engagement specialist for Michael Baker International and various roles for the PA State Association of Boroughs, including director of public affairs, managing editor of Borough News and managing producer of “Inside PA Boroughs.”
Named for one of Pennsylvania’s most accomplished public relations professionals and a founding member of PPRS, the McDowell Award has been presented since 1991 and recognizes individuals whose contributions reflect the integrity and excellence of its namesake.
A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles. The PA Turnpike proudly supports safety and convenience for its more than 550,000 daily customers through 24-7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police Troop. The PA Turnpike’s approximately 1,400-person local workforce is unified in its mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about the PA Turnpike’s mission, vision and values, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.
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Media Contacts:
Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: (267) 408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com
Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: (717) 870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com