The Philadelphia Flyers are the recipients of this season’s Dick Dillman Award. The Flyers staff is led by College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences former student Zack Hill. The Dillman Award honors the team judged to have the top public relations department in the National Hockey League each season.
“It is a great honor to be recognized by my peers as well as the national media,” Hill said.
Hill received his undergraduate degree in elementary education in 1985 before entering the CPASS graduate sports management program. Shortly before graduation, he started his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, and began working for the Flyers in 1993. He has been with the team for an impressive 22 years and holds the title of senior director of public relations.
“Zack has continued the tradition of excellence that the graduate sport management program enjoys and we are very excited about his recognition by the NHL as the Leagues’ best public relations department,” said Dr. Dallas Branch, CPASSprofessor.
Hill describes his philosophy for success in public relations as common sense. “I believe it’s all about treating everybody with respect and a smile, not losing your cool in a crisis, and helping people out, everybody from coaches to players,” Hill added.
Under Hill’s leadership, the Flyers have been six-time finalists for the best media relations department in the league. He credits the influence of his hard-working parents as great role models. Hill also expressed gratitude for an excellent staff, which consists of Joe Siville and Brian Smith. “This award is a reflection of all three of us, not just me,” Hill said.
The Dick Dillman Award honors the memory of highly regarded public relations director Dick Dillman. This is the second Dillman Award that Hill’s department has won in the past four years.