Founded in 1947, Professional Photographers of California had as its first president, Paul Kennedy, Sr.

In 1949, Gordon A. Whipple was president, in 1950, Ralph Barton and in 1951, Karl Romaine, M.Photog. took the office.

First President, Paul Kennedy's name graces the Paul Kennedy Award which was established in 1981 to be given for “Outstanding Service to the Profession.”

There were only 25 medallions made and all have been awarded.