The PIO Podcast
The PIO Podcast is a leading resource for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) working in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, emergency management, and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Focused on crisis communications, media relations, and public trust, this podcast delivers expert insights, real-world strategies, and interviews with experienced communicators across the public sector.Each episode explores the challenges PIOs face, including managing breaking incidents, navigating social media, combating misinformation, and communicating effectively during emergencies and high-pressure situations. Whether you are a new PIO or a seasoned public affairs professional, The PIO Podcast...
Wildfire Crisis Communications: Lessons from CAL FIRE PIO David Acuña
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When a wildfire doubles in size in minutes, how do public information officers keep communities informed without sacrificing accuracy?
In this episode of The PIO Podcast, host Robert Tornabene welcomes David Acuña, Battalion Chief and Public Information Officer with CAL FIRE, for a conversation about crisis communications during fast-moving wildfires and major emergencies.
David shares how CAL FIRE coordinates public information across California, works with local incident commanders, manages evacuation warnings and orders, and delivers accurate information when conditions change by the minute.
The Journey from Journalism to Law Enforcement with Rayna Shipp
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Episode Summary: In this episode, Rayna Shipp, Public Information Officer with the Apache Junction Police Department (AZ), shares her journey from journalism student to police public information officer and highlights the importance of community engagement, effective communication, and empathetic crisis management. Discover practical insights on social media strategy, working with media, and maintaining public trust in law enforcement.
Rayna's BIO; Rayna Shipp has served as the Public Safety Information Officer for the Apache Junction Police Department in Arizona since December 2022, becoming the department’s fi...
Social Media Strategy for PIOs: Building Public Trust with Brooke Hahn
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Episode Summary: How can public information officers build public trust, improve social media engagement, and maintain authentic communication in an increasingly AI-driven world?
In this episode of The PIO Podcast, host Robert Tornabene welcomes Brooke Hahn, CEO of Flockler, to discuss how public safety agencies, local governments, and public sector communicators can rethink their social media strategies to strengthen community relationships.
Brooke explains why follower counts don't always translate into meaningful engagement, how user-generated content can strengthen public confidence, and why government websites...
Leadership Lessons from a Father-Daughter EMS Team
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In this episode, father-daughter team Brad and Kira Newbury share their journey in EMS education, leadership insights, and innovative approaches to training future public safety professionals. Discover how their organization, NMETC, is transforming emergency medical training and fostering a new generation of leaders.
Brad's BIO; Brad Newbury, MPA, NRP is the President and CEO of the National Medical Education & Training Center (NMETC) and the author of The Saved Effect: True Stories of Lives Reclaimed by People Who Were Willing to Act and The First...
First Responder Trauma Study that will save lives with Victorian Simmons
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Episode Summary: Victorian Simmons discusses her research on trauma communication patterns among first responders, the impact of repeated trauma exposure, and strategies for improving mental health and communication within emergency services. This episode offers insights for leaders, families, and first responders to foster resilience and support.
Victorian's BIO: Victorian Simmons is a nationally recognized public safety communicator known for turning complex information into clear, compelling messages that people can understand, trust, and act on. As the Public Information Officer for the Apex Fire and Police...
Officer involved Domestic Violence with Bruce Bieber
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Episode Summary: Bruce Bieber shares his personal journey from tragedy to advocacy, highlighting the systemic failures in law enforcement's handling of domestic violence cases and proposing best practices to prevent future tragedies. This episode emphasizes the importance of proactive policies, training, and accountability in law enforcement to save lives.
Bruce's BIO Bruce Bieber is a national advocate for Police-Perpetrated / Officer-Involved Domestic Violence (PP/OIDV) awareness, prevention, and reform. His advocacy emerged following the murder of his daughter, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Abigail Ros...
Mastering Crisis Communication: Lessons from the FBI and Boston Bombing with Jason Pack
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Episode Summary: In this episode, Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent and public information officer, shares insights from his extensive career in law enforcement and crisis communication. He discusses lessons learned from major incidents like the Boston Marathon bombing, the importance of trust and relationships in crisis communication, and how technology and social media are transforming the field.
Jason's BIO: Jason Pack is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent, former television reporter, and frequent law enforcement and crisis communications analyst for Fox News, CNN, NewsNation, and...
Misinformation AI Threats to Elections with Tim Miller
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Episode Summary: In this episode, Tim Miller from Dataminr discusses the intersection of technology, AI, and public safety, highlighting how real-time threat detection and cybersecurity are evolving to meet modern challenges. We explore wildfire detection, event management during large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup, and best practices for public safety agencies.
Tim's BIO: Tim Miller, Dataminr’s Global Field CTO and Chief Cybersecurity Strategist, has nearly two decades of experience helping public sector organizations adopt and leverage emerging technologies. Prior to Dataminr, he held public sector-facing rol...
Revolutionizing Crisis Communication with AI with Eric Saylors
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Episode Summary: In this episode, Eric Saylors shares insights on how AI can revolutionize public safety leadership and crisis communication. Discover practical strategies for using AI to enhance messaging, anticipate questions, and improve decision-making during emergencies.
Eric's BIO: Eric Saylors is the author of Quantifying a Negative (2015), Sense Making in Risk Assessments (2022), and The 7-Year Active Shooter Study (2026).
He is a Fire Chief with over 30 years of experience and holds a Doctorate in Leadership from the University of Southern California. In addition to serving as...
The Role of Social Media in Modern Law Enforcement: Insights from Rebecca D'Auria
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Summary: In this episode of The PIO Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca D’Auria, Public Information Analyst with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, to unpack how one of California’s largest sheriff’s offices approaches social media, crisis communication, and community engagement. Rebecca shares how she got her start in law enforcement communications, why storytelling matters in public safety, and how her team balances planned content with fast-moving breaking incidents. We talk about the shift toward short-form video, the importance of adapting content for different platforms, and why law enforcem...
From Radio to City Hall: Erinn Reyes on Public Engagement
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Episode Summary: Erinn Reyes, Director of Communications for the City of Garden City, Kansas, shares insights on municipal communication strategies, crisis management, and building community trust. Discover how her diverse background and recent FBI training shape her approach to transparent, effective public engagement.
Erinn's BIO: Erinn Reyes is the Communications Director for the City of Garden City, where she works at the intersection of municipal government communications and public safety messaging, managing everything from crisis communications to community engagement to citywide information strategies. Erinn is passionate about...
Revolutionizing Government: How MyGovTools Enhances Community Engagement
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Evan Meyer, creator of MyGovTools, shares insights on government technology, community engagement, and the challenges of modern public communication. Discover how innovative tools can rebuild trust, improve efficiency, and address bureaucratic hurdles.
Evan's BIO: Evan Meyer is a tech entrepreneur and civic leader passionate about
transportation, urban revitalization through art, and building purpose-drivenÂ
communities. He founded BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform accelerating mural-
driven beautification in cities, and BeautifyEarth.org, a public charity beautifying
schools in underserved communities. He also created RideAmigos.c...
The Hidden Complexity of Disaster Recovery That Practitioners Often Overlook
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In this episode, Dr. Josh Bear, a research professor specializing in community resilience and disaster response, shares insights into the complex human and community behaviors during emergencies. We explore how recovery can span years, the importance of tailored communication, and the role of simulation in improving disaster management.
BIO: Dr. Joshua Behr is a research professor at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC). He conducts studies, performs modeling, and publishes insights on resilience, catastrophic events, recovery, evacuation and sheltering, and supply chain material & labor convergence. This entails...
Mastering Military Communication: Lessons from Sergeant Major Daniel Wallace
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Summary: In this in-depth interview, Sergeant Major Daniel J Wallace shares his extensive military career, insights into strategic communication, leadership credibility, and the evolving landscape of military public affairs. Discover practical advice for aspiring public affairs professionals and the importance of authenticity and adaptability in high-pressure environments.
BIO: SGM Daniel Wallace enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 2003 as a health care specialist before reclassifying in November 2009 to become a public affairs specialist. He is currently assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command as...
Mastering Crisis Communication: Insights from Alicia Johnson
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Episode Summary: In this episode, Alicia Johnson, founder of Two Lynchpin Road, shares valuable strategies for effective public communication during emergencies. Discover how trust, transparency, and community engagement shape public perception and improve crisis response.
BIO: Alicia is an emergency manager, resilience strategist, and Founder and CEO of Two Lynchpin Road — a woman-owned resilience consulting firm. With over 20 years of on-the-ground experience, she has spent her career on the question disaster response never fully answers: why do some communities recover while others don't — and what does trust have...
Inside the FBI: Myths, Stories, and Public Trust - with Jerri Williams
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Episode Summary:
In this engaging interview, retired FBI agent Jerri Williams shares insights from her career, debunks common misconceptions about the FBI, and discusses the art of storytelling in law enforcement. Discover how honesty, relationship-building, and effective communication build public trust and how her journey into crime fiction complements her mission to educate the public.
BIO: Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent, author, and podcaster, served 26 years in the FBI, specializing in economic fraud and corruption investigations. She’s now on a mission to show th...
Uncovering True Boldness in Leadership: Strategies for Public Safety Professionals
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Episode Summary: In this insightful interview, Matt Davis, a law enforcement leader and founder of True Bold Leadership, shares his expertise on trauma-informed leadership, effective communication during crises, and building trust within organizations. Discover practical strategies to enhance public safety communication, foster internal trust, and uncover true boldness in leadership.
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From Baseball to Government: Rox Cruz's Journey in Public Service
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Episode Summary: Rox Cruz, the public information officer for Mooresville, North Carolina, shares her diverse background, innovative communication strategies, and insights on community engagement, language access, and crisis communication. Discover how her unique experiences shape her approach to building trust and connecting with a rapidly evolving community.
Rox's BIO: Rox Cruz is a public information officer and marketing strategist who believes government communication should sound human, useful, and maybe even a little interesting... imagine that. In her position with the Town of Morrisville, she leads video storytelling...
Rebuilding Trust in Media: Insights from a Former Reporter with Ted Czech
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Episode Summary: In this insightful interview, Ted Czech, a former reporter turned public information officer, reflects on the state of American media, its challenges, and how trust can be rebuilt. He shares his journey, the systemic issues plaguing journalism, and practical advice for both journalists and PIOs.
Ted's BIO: Â Ted Czech spent 25 years as a crime and emergency journalist for newspapers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Currently, he serves as the Public Information Officer for the York County Office of Emergency Management and York County 911. In 2024, T...
Supporting Families of Fallen First Responders: Lessons from the 100 Club
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Episode Summary: This episode explores the critical support systems for families of fallen first responders, highlighting the work of the 100 Club in Illinois. Caitlyn Brennan and Meg Krase share insights into immediate response, long-term support, and the importance of mental health and community engagement in the context of public safety tragedies.
Caitlyn's BIO: Caitlyn Brennan serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the 100 Club of Illinois, where she has dedicated her career to championing public servants and fostering resilient communities. With more than two decades of experience...
Mastering Clear and Impactful Communication with Kate Eller Murray
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Episode Summary: In this episode, Kate Ella Murray, founder of Roam Communications, shares deep insights on how organizations can cut through noise, communicate with purpose, and foster trust, especially in the public sector and crisis situations. If you want to elevate your messaging and build credibility, this conversation is packed with practical strategies.
Kat's BIO;Â
Kat is a public relations professional with more than 20 years of experience in corporate and technology communications, including 12+ years working specifically with startups. Since founding ROAM Communications in 2013, she has s...
Protect Your Identity with Cybersecurity Expert Robert Siciliano
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Episode Summary: In this episode, cybersecurity expert Robert Siciliano discusses the evolving threats of AI-driven scams, deep fakes, and human behavior. Learn how organizations and individuals can protect themselves in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Robert's BIO: Robert Siciliano is a security analyst, best-selling author, and the Architect of The Strategic Human Firewall™. As one of the world’s most recognizable educators in personal and corporate protection, he is the
'Straight Talk' voice for a digital age.
You’ve seen his expertise on CNN, Fox News, CNBC, and Anders...
Mastering Media Relations: 3 Key Rules for PR Success with Joe Buccino
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Episode Summary: In this insightful interview, PR expert Joe Buccino shares invaluable lessons from his extensive experience in media relations, crisis communication, and the evolving landscape of journalism. Discover how to build trust with reporters, adapt to digital changes, and leverage AI without losing the human touch.
Joe's BIO: Joe Buccino is a retired U.S. Army colonel and former Pentagon spokesman who advised senior leaders during some of the most high-stakes moments in recent national security. He served as Communications Director at U.S...
I had a dream! How to get PIO Training! Now I turned that into the PIO Calendar with Paul Raymond
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Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore Paul's journey in communications and emergency management, which ultimately led to the creation of the PIO Calendar. The PIO Calendar is a centralized platform that connects public information officers with training, conferences, and professional development opportunities across the country and around the world. Through his firm, PDR Strategies, he advises organizations on crisis communications, leadership messaging, and building public trust through clear, effective communication.
Paul's BIO: Paul D. Raymond, Jr. is a strategic communications leader with a background in public s...
Unlocking Organizational Intelligence: The Key to Trust and Leadership, Erika Mantallana
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Episode Summary: Erika Mantallana shares insights on organizational intelligence, trust, and the strategic role of communication in organizations. Discover how internal trust impacts external reputation and how leaders can better connect with their teams.
Erika's BIO: Erika Mantallana is the founder of Threadwell Studio, a strategic communications consultancy built on a simple but hard-won idea: external trust is an inside job. After more than 20 years leading communications at Fortune 100 companies, national nonprofits, and publicly traded organizations, she made the leap from the executive suite to entrepreneurship. Now...
Untitled EpisodeThe Truth About Sentiment Dashboards and How to Use Social Listening Effectively w/Tallie Proud S6 - E17
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Episode Summary: In this insightful interview, social media strategist Tallie Proud shares her expertise on social listening, its misconceptions, and how organizations can better interpret online conversations to improve their communication strategies.
Tallie's BIO: Tallie Proud is a UK-based freelance digital marketing consultant specializing in social media training, strategy, digital skills, and more. She previously worked for Social Simulator, a crisis preparedness agency, where she supported international organizations with crisis exercises and social media training. Before that, she was part of the award-winning digital team at...
How AAA Uses Data and Storytelling to Promote Road Safety with Molly Hart S6 - E16
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Episode Summary: In this insightful interview, Molly Hart, a spokesperson for AAA, shares her expertise on traffic safety campaigns, media strategy, and public education efforts. Discover how AAA leverages data, storytelling, and social media to promote safe driving behaviors and prepare for seasonal travel challenges.
About Molly - In-depth public relations and governmental affairs experience across a variety of disciplines and sectors including corporations, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies. Proven track record of creating and executing targeted programs and campaigns to drive increased visibility, engagement and support...
AI and Disinformation: Protecting Public Trust in the Digital Age, with Nina Jankowicz, S6 - E15
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Episode Summary: Nina Jankowicz shares insights on AI, disinformation, and best practices for public information officers in the digital age. Learn about the threats, guardrails, and strategies to maintain trust and integrity in information dissemination.
Nina's BIO: Nina Jankowicz is an internationally-recognized expert on disinformation and democratization, one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in AI, and the author of two books: How to Lose the Information War and How to Be A Woman Online.
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Authenticity Is The Key To Trust with Antonia Steinmiller S6-E14
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Episode Summary: In this engaging interview, Antonia Steinmiller, a dedicated municipal communications manager, shares her insights on effective public-sector communication, community engagement, and trust. Discover her innovative campaigns, strategies for authentic messaging, and how she leverages technology to connect with residents.
Antonia's BIO: As a dedicated communications professional, I specialize in developing and executing strategic communication initiatives that align with organizational objectives and engage diverse audiences. With a passion for storytelling, I craft compelling narratives that strengthen brand messaging and foster meaningful connections—particularly wi...
The Art of Storytelling in Communication with Shel Holtz S6 - E 13
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Episode Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Shel Holtz discusses the evolving landscape of organizational communication, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, measurable outcomes, and the integration of emerging technologies like AI. He highlights the unique challenges faced by government communicators, the necessity of crisis preparedness, and the role of internal communications in shaping organizational culture. Holtz also addresses the balance between automation and authenticity, the significance of building trust, and the strategic value of communication in achieving organizational goals.
Shel's BIO: BIO:
Shel Holtz is...
Empathy in Action: Family Liaison Strategies with Moose Mutlow
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Episode Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert welcomes Moose Mutlow, a crisis communication and family liaison trainer, to discuss the intricacies of communicating with families during crises. Moose shares his diverse background, which includes years as a wilderness guide and experience in public information and family liaison roles. He emphasizes the importance of truth and immediacy when communicating with families, contrasting it with the more measured approach often required when dealing with the media. Moose highlights the emotional weight of family communication, noting that it requires a...
Mastering Public Safety Communication: Insights from Braden Frame S6 - E11
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In this episode of the PIO podcast, Braden Frame, CEO of the Cartographers Group, shares practical strategies for enhancing public safety communication. We explore how leadership, technology, and authenticity shape community trust and organizational success.
Key Topics:
The importance of trust and transparency in public safety messagingAligning leadership behavior with effective communication strategiesThe evolving landscape of social media and AI risksBuilding strong relationships with media professionalsDeveloping a written crisis communication planMetrics for measuring communication success — focusing on outcomes, not just outputHow to manage corrections and maintain credibility during cr...Navigating Wildfire Communication: Insights from Cal Fire S6-E10 Nick Schuler, Cal Fire
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Summary: In this episode, Nick Schuler, the Deputy Director of Communications and Incident Awareness for Cal Fire, shares insights on the evolution of wildfire communication strategies, the importance of community engagement, and the role of technology in managing wildfire risks. He emphasizes the need for transparency and public trust during emergencies, as well as the significance of preparing communities for wildfire threats. Schuler discusses the challenges of language barriers and the importance of educating the public on fire preparedness and defensible space. He also highlights the ongoing efforts to improve wildfire readiness through...
The Alarming Rise of Fentanyl: A Conversation with Brian Townsend, S6 - E9
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Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert interviews Brian Townsend, a retired DEA agent and founder of Only2MG, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness about the fentanyl crisis. Brian shares his extensive experience in law enforcement and discusses the alarming rise of fentanyl-related deaths in the United States. He explains the historical context of how fentanyl became prevalent in the drug supply, its integration into other drugs, and the dangers it poses. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement, consistent messaging, and a holistic approach to tackling...
S6 - E8: Jen Becker - JB Comms Consulting
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Summary: In this episode, Jen Becker discusses her journey into internal communications and the importance of effective communication within organizations. She highlights the common issues faced by public information officers (PIOs) and offers insights into improving internal communication strategies. Jen emphasizes the need for honesty, understanding employee perspectives, and creating efficient workflows, especially in small teams. She also shares her experiences with crisis communication and the significance of engaging employees during challenging times. The conversation concludes with practical advice for new PIOs and the importance of building rapport through informal interactions.<...
S6 - E7: Kevin Mangan - PIO High Springs Fire Dept, High Springs FL
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Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert interviews Kevin Mangan, the public information officer for High Springs, Florida. Kevin shares his journey from a volunteer firefighter to a PIO, emphasizing the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with working in a small agency. He discusses the importance of building relationships within the community, managing communications during crises, and the necessity of transparency and trust in a close-knit environment. Kevin highlights how social media has transformed public communication, allowing for real-time updates and engagement with the community, while also addressing...
S6 - E6: Brian Murray - PIO & Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Harris Cty Tx
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Summary: In this episode, Brian Murray, the Public Information Officer for Harris County, Texas, discusses his dual role in emergency management and public communication. He highlights the unique challenges faced by Harris County, including its large population and diverse threats. The conversation delves into the complexities of emergency alerts, the importance of effective messaging, and the need for community engagement. Brian emphasizes the significance of training for staff and educating the public about alerts, while also addressing the future of communication in an increasingly automated world.
Brian's BIO:<...
S6 - E5: Brenden Elwood - Vice President of Market Research for CivicPlus
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Episode Summary: In this conversation, Brenden Elwood discusses the importance of strategic communication for city council members. He emphasizes the need to understand how residents receive information and to implement multi-modal communication strategies. Elwood highlights the significance of being responsive to residents' needs and the impact of timely communication on building trust.
Brenden's BIO: Brenden services as the Vice President of Market Research at CivicPlus. He oversees the company’s resident and local government research to provide actionable insights and data to enhance resident and community engagement th...
S6 - E4: Gretchen Papez - Valley Health Systems
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Summary: In this conversation, Gretchen Papez, the System Director of PR and Media Relations at Valley Health Systems, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of healthcare communications. She discusses the importance of proactive messaging, crisis communication preparedness, and integrating various communication strategies. Gretchen emphasizes the need to build trust within the community, adapt to trends like home healthcare, and manage misinformation. She also highlights best practices for stakeholder communication and the significance of storytelling in healthcare. The discussion concludes with advice for emerging communication professionals and reflections on the future...
S6 - E3: Lisa McDonald -Communications Manager - City of Oveido, FL
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Episode Summary: Â In this conversation, Lisa McDonald shares an intriguing story about a five-foot alligator discovered in a storm drain, highlighting the unexpected wildlife encounters that can occur in urban settings. She discusses how the video of this discovery went viral on social media, emphasizing the impact of engaging content in public works and community awareness.
Lisa's BIO; Lisa McDonald studied Radio and Television Communications at the University of Central Florida, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree. Lisa started her career in local radio before moving to tele...
