The PIO Podcast

Send us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Kent Keller, former police officer and now CEO of OS Media Group, shares his journey from law enforcement to marketing for public safety agencies. He discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges public information officers face, and how his company aims to support smaller agencies with their communication needs. Keller also explores the role of social media and AI in public safety, and offers insights into the future of public information officers and best practices for effective communication.Kent's BIO: Kent Keller is a retired police officer who now lives in the Omaha-Metro area after serving more than 11 years in Northern Colorado. Kent's last assignment as a sworn officer was as the Greeley Police Department's PIO & Media Relations Manager. Due to a career-ending on-duty car accident, Kent founded OS Media Group and transitioned to being the Greeley Police Department's first-ever civilian contracted PIO & Media Relations Manager.  While serving in this new capacity, Kent & OS Media Group more than doubled the Greeley Police Department's followers across all social media channels. In addition, they increased GPD's community engagement, helped skyrocket apprehensions of career criminals, completely refreshed the look of their brand, authored hundreds of press releases, and deployed tens of thousands of social media posts. Community Outreach campaigns and techniques started in Greeley by OS Media Group have been adopted by several other Denver-Metro police and public safety agencies. Kent also recognized a need and lack of support for small to medium-sized public safety agencies to have the same access to excellent social media management and branding assets, even if they didn't have the same budget. Kent and his team can help you connect better with your community or step in and do it for you. You can see more examples of OS Media Group's work and client success stories at OSMGMarketing.com. You can contact Kent directly by email at Kent@OSMediaPromo.com. Support the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textIn this Special Edition, Sarah Lux discusses the importance of go bags for public information officers (PIOs) and shares her personal experiences and insights on what to include. She emphasizes the need for emergency preparedness and provides practical tips on essential items, balancing technology with traditional tools, and unique, surprisingly valuable items. The conversation also covers power management solutions and personal well-being items for those working during crises. In this conversation, Sarah Lux shares her insights on the essential items for a go bag, the importance of regularly evaluating its contents, and how to customize it for different crises. She emphasizes the need for preparedness in reputational crises and advises new public information officers (PIOs) on building their first go bag. The discussion also touches on the support agencies should provide to PIOs regarding go bags and concludes with key takeaways on the necessity of having a go bag for every PIO.Sarah's BIO: Sarah Lux earned a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida and a master's degree in Public Relations from Full Sail University.  Sarah has practiced Public Relations for over 10 years, specifically focusing on community education, government affairs, and crisis communications. She is part of the Florida Association of Public Information Officers' deployment team and a PIO for Florida's Region 5 All-Hazards Incident Management Team. She has been deployed by the state of Florida to aid communications in other counties four times, including Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian. She earned her Master PIO certification in 2024, a federal training program that has accepted and certified less than 175 PIOs in the nation. Lux prides herself on her ability to clearly explain complex governmental matters to citizens in her community. She currently serves as Public Information Manager for the City of Orlando and owns her own communications consulting firm, Lux Communications.SARAH's Go Bag ListSupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Carolina Montelongo, the Public Relations Coordinator for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Carolina shares her journey from journalism to becoming a Public Information Officer (PIO), emphasizing the importance of community engagement, especially within the Hispanic community. She discusses the structure of the Sheriff's Office, the role of PIOs, and the strategies used for crisis communication. Carolina also highlights her initiative, CACO News, to provide reliable information to the Latino community. The conversation concludes with her recognition as the Hispanic Civilian Employee of the Year and her insights on effective communication and community connection.Carolina's BIO: Carolina Montelongo was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She graduated from Metropolitana University, Caracas, with a BA in Modern Languages in 2017. Pursuing her passion for storytelling, she relocated to Miami, Florida, to earn her Master's in Multimedia Journalism.Carolina worked as a Radio Host for Radio Caracol and then at the U.S. Agency for Global Media for four years. There, she contributed to providing a free press to Cubans facing oppression under the Castro Dictatorship. Carolina's dedication to journalism led her to obtain a talent visa, allowing her to pursue her dreams of working and continuing to live in the United States.Carolina saw that misinformation was a big issue in the Latino community. So, she created @Caconews as a space where people can get reliable information. Through that platform, she takes on the role of a truth-seeker, deciphering complex news and laws and ensuring that the content she creates clarifies and positively contributes to the Latino community.In June 2023, Carolina started a new professional adventure as a Public Relations Coordinator at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. She's committed to bringing the Hispanic community and law enforcement closer by creating helpful content and sharing educational information with the Latino community.Outside of her professional life, Carolina has dedicated part of her life to dancing flamenco and playing volleyball. She also enjoys traveling with her husband and practicing CrossFit.Carolina's EmailAudience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textAuthor, life coach, entrepreneur, founder of Tornabene Wine, Miss New York 2022. Baxter Learns to Save (Amazon)https://tornabenewines.comUnemployable the Podcast At Unemployable the Podcast, we aim to inspire and Amplify Disabled Entrepreneurs!Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Dawn Small, the strategic communications manager for Aurora Fire Rescue. Dawn shares her journey from public relations agencies to the fire service, highlighting her experiences and the changes she aims to implement in communications. The conversation delves into the importance of community engagement, the role of social media, and the daily responsibilities of a PIO in a busy fire department. Dawn emphasizes the need for strategic planning and collaboration with media to communicate safety messages and improve public education effectively. In this conversation, Robert Tornabene and Dawn Small discuss the importance of strategic communication planning, particularly in the context of public safety and fire departments. They explore how engaging with firefighters can enhance communication effectiveness, the role of AI in streamlining communication efforts, and the significance of having a cohesive plan that aligns with leadership. The discussion also touches on personal insights and rapid-fire questions that reveal more about Dawn's perspectives and experiences.Dawn's BIO: With nearly three decades of broad-based communications expertise spanning the public and private sectors, Dawn Small serves as strategic communications manager for Aurora Fire Rescue, an all-hazards fire department with 17 fire stations and nearly 500 firefighters/paramedics serving the city of Aurora, Colo.Dawn leads the Public Information Office for AFR, overseeing internal and external communications, emergency communications, media relations, and community engagement for the department. During the first decade of her career, Dawn cut her teeth in communications at international public relations firms such as Fleishman-Hillard and Weber Shandwick Worldwide. She managed and implemented public relations programs for various public and corporate affairs clients. While working with public-sector agencies such as the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Office of International Trade, and Los Angeles World Airports, she became exposed to the sense of fulfillment that comes with strengthening the community and impacting individual lives through public education, community relations, and effective communications outreach.After spending the next decade of her career in global external communications, internal communications, and content marketing leadership roles for Arrow Electronics Inc., a Fortune 150 technology firm, and full-stack technology solutions provider Flexential, she felt the call to shift back to the public sector. She led communications and marketing for the Colorado Retirement Association, a quasi-governmental organization providing retirement plans for Colorado city and county employees, followed by two years as a communications strategist for the City of Centennial, Colo., before joining AFR. Dawn holds a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Dakota and Advanced Public Information Officer certification from the Federal Emergency Management Association.Dawn Smalls LinkedInSupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Rick Rice, the public information officer for the Asheville Police Department. They discuss Rick's background in radio, the challenges they faced during Hurricane Helene, and the launch of the APD Pod Squad podcast aimed at improving community engagement. Rick shares insights on managing misinformation during the crisis and the importance of clear communication. The conversation also touches on using AI in public information strategies and reflections on the podcast's impact on the community.Rick's BIO: Rick Rice spent over thirty years in radio, with over twenty yearson the air in Asheville, beginning in 1999. Rice has also been a fixture at localsporting events as the public address announcer at McCormick Field for theAsheville Tourists from 2000-2016 and for the Asheville Smoke hockey team untilthey folded in 2002. Rice has also been the public address announcer for UNCAsheville Men's and Women's Basketball and the Voice of the SouthernConference Basketball Tournament for over a decade.Scale Faster with The Growth HackGrowth marketing tips & tech insights from those who've done it.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSummary: In this conversation, Doug Levy discusses his extensive background in journalism and emergency communications, leading to the writing of his book, 'The Golden Hour.' He emphasizes the critical importance of timely and accurate communication during crises, outlining common mistakes made by Public Information Officers (PIOs) and the evolving role of social media in disseminating information. Levy shares insights on effectively balancing rapid responses with the need for accuracy and understanding community dynamics in communication strategies. Doug Levy shares insights on effective crisis communication strategies in this conversation, emphasizing the importance of quick and credible information dissemination during emergencies. He discusses the necessity of preparation for unexpected crises, the value of building relationships with the media, and the critical role of practice in ensuring effective communication. Levy highlights real-world examples, including the Boston Marathon bombing, to illustrate the importance of having a solid plan and adaptability. He concludes with key takeaways for Public Information Officers (PIOs) to enhance their effectiveness in crises.Doug's BIO: Doug Levy is a communications strategist, media and presentation coach and freelance writer. He was a reporter for USA Today and other national media for 20 years, covering front-page stories such as crimes, wildfires and other disasters, medical and scientific research, policy debates, and scientific or other misconduct. His first experience as a PIO was leading a volunteer fire department in Maryland in the 1990s. Since then, he led communications at two major universities and served on the emergency management teams. He has helped police and other government officials, medical center leaders, scientists, and universities prepare for, navigate, and respond to crises and adapt in the era of nonstop social media communication, partisan news outlets, and divided communities. His book, The Communications Golden Hour: The Essential Guide to Public Information When Every Minute Counts, has been an acclaimed handbook for public information officers since it was first released in 2018. Find out more at douglevy.com.Scale Faster with The Growth HackGrowth marketing tips & tech insights from those who've done it.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSummary of the Podcast: in this episode, Ashley Bradshaw, the Public Information and Engagement Specialist for the Kyle Police Department, shares her journey into law enforcement communication. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of being the first PIO in her department, the importance of community engagement, and innovative strategies for connecting with youth. Ashley emphasizes social media's role in recruitment and AI's use to enhance public relations efforts. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships between law enforcement and the community and the ongoing need for effective communication strategies.Ashley's BIO : Ashlee Bradshaw became a Public Information Officer in a rather unconventional way. With over a decade worth of experience in Public Relations and Marketing, along with a term served as an elected City Councilmember, Ashlee found a passion for connecting government agencies with the communities they serve. In her role as the Public Information and Community Engagement Specialist at the Kyle Police Department, her passion has only grown stronger. She enjoys using strategic and proactive communications to highlight the good work done by the officers to foster a strong relationship with the residents.Ashlee's LinkedInSupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, PR expert Molly McPherson shares her insights on navigating media crises, the importance of social media in crisis management, and the common pitfalls faced by public information officers (PIOs). She emphasizes the need for transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement in communications and discusses how to transform crises into opportunities for building trust. Molly also reflects on her experiences at FEMA and the lessons learned from various case studies in crisis management.Molly's Bio: In Molly McPherson's world, just about anything is a tell. That's how The Boston Globe described Molly's work as a crisis communications expert who moonlights as a celebrity PR whisperer on TikTok.As an APR-certified crisis management and public relations practitioner, Molly uses her deep understanding of media culture to benefit her clients and the over half a million social media followers who look to her for insight into brand and celebrity actions, whether genuine or part of a PR stunt.She is the host of "The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson" podcast and author of "Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis."In her career, she's known as an innovator in crisis communication, from introducing digital media strategies at FEMA to developing some of the first crisis communication web resources as communications director for cruise lines during critical incidents like the 9/11 attacks and the 2002 Norovirus outbreaks.Her insights have garnered international attention, making her a recurring commentator for respected outlets such as NBC News, GMA, The Today Show, CNN, NPR, Access Hollywood, CTV News, and The Today Show in Australia. She has also been a featured commentator on ABC's Impact x Nightline, Vice TV's NINE LIVES OF...and TMZ Investigates on Fox Television. Additionally, Molly has provided commentary for outlets such as the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the BBC, and the Wall Street Journal.Beyond her media presence, Molly is a celebrated keynote speaker, an Adweek Creative Visionary Award winner, and a Forbes.com contributor writing about leadership and crisis management. She has taught companies, leaders, and brands, as well as hundreds of thousands of online followers, how to navigate a PR crisis in the tricky digital media era.Molly's Website: https://www.mollymcpherson.com/Support the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSummary: In this episode, Jeff Wenninger, a retired LAPD officer and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, discusses his unique background and the challenges facing law enforcement today. He emphasizes the need for cultural change within police departments, the importance of proper training and competence, and the role of public information officers in crisis management. Winninger advocates for transparency, accountability, and community engagement, while also highlighting the impact of technology on communication. He concludes with thoughts on leadership and the necessity for law enforcement to evolve with societal expectations.Jeff's Bio - Jeff Wenninger is a nationally recognized law enforcement expert with over 33 years of experience, primarily with the LAPD. As the Founder & CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC, he specializes in police use of force incidents, crowd management, school safety, and developing police management best practices. His work aims to align police methods with societal expectations, improve public trust, and enhance police training. A court-recognized use of force expert, Jeff has testified in criminal and civil cases and administrative hearings. His distinguished career includes extensive experience with dignitary protection, elite LAPD units, and overseeing high-profile security details.Jeff's contributions have earned him prestigious awards such as the LAPD Medal of Valor, Police Star, and Meritorious Unit Citation. He excelled athletically and academically, overcoming dyslexia and a speech impediment to earn degrees in sociology, psychology, and criminal justice. His commitment to community service extends beyond his professional life, involving numerous charitable projects and school safety programs. A regular contributor to NPR and law enforcement print media, Jeff resides in Ohio with his son. He is working on a book proposing actionable solutions for improving law enforcement practices.Jeff's LinkedInSupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Holly Stark, Outreach Program Manager with the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Holly shares her journey from journalism to emergency management, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in building trust and empathy within communities. She discusses how effective communication can enhance disaster preparedness and the role of public information officers in conveying critical information. Holly also highlights the need for consistency in messaging to foster public trust and engagement.Hollie's Bio - Hollie Stark is a writer, outdoor enthusiast, and mother. She is passionate about emergency public information, preparedness, geohazards, and telling stories to help move the needle.Email - hollie.stark@mil.wa.govSupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSummary of the Interview: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Kevin Strauss, the communications manager for the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, discusses his journey from college athletics to public communication. He shares insights on the challenges faced in unifying communication strategies post-COVID, the importance of digital advertising, and the management of water resources amid drought conditions. Kevin emphasizes the significance of internal communication, the impact of AI on public perception, and the necessity of having a supportive team to effectively convey messages to the community. He concludes with personal insights and rapid-fire questions that reveal his values and beliefs in communication.Kevin's Bio - Kevin Strauss is the Communications Manager for the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCV Water) and is responsible for all internal and external Agency communications. Previously, Strauss spent six years as a Communications Specialist with the City of Santa Clarita. During his career, Strauss has produced several award-winning public relations campaigns and recently led SCV Water's brand relaunch initiative and crafted the Agency's first digital media strategy. For his work, he was named the 2024 Communicator of the Year by the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO).When he was with the City of Santa Clarita, the Communications Division was named the 2020 Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Leader by CAPIO for its response to the Tick Fire and Saugus High School shooting in 2019. Prior to joining the City of Santa Clarita, Strauss worked for six years in the Athletics Department at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), first as an intern then as Assistant Sports Information Director before being promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Digital Marketing. Strauss earned his bachelor's degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations from CSUN. He and his family reside in Santa Clarita.Kevin's EmailEye-Opening Moments PodcastEye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Lauren Burton, the Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Douglas County District Attorney's Office in Georgia, shares her unique journey from victim advocacy to her current role. She discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges of digital communication, and the strategies she employs to ensure consistent messaging and effective outreach. Lauren highlights successful media campaigns, the role of social media, and the impact of her office's visibility in the community. She also touches on the use of AI tools in her work and emphasizes the importance of self-care for public information officers.Lauren's Bio - Lauren Burden is the Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Douglas County District Attorney's Office. In this role, she oversees the office's social media, website, marketing, and media communications. She also coordinates and organizes the office's participation in community events, plans office-sponsored community events, and organizes all internal events.Lauren graduated from Georgia College and State University with a degree in Sociology. She began her career at the Douglas County District Attorney's Office as a Victim Advocate in April 2013. In 2021, she took on the role of communications coordinator before transitioning to her current position full-time in January 2022. She was honored with the office's Barry Wood Award in 2021.was recognized as a Top Young Professional in Douglas County in 2022, and received the InnovateHER award at the CelebrateHER awards with the Douglas County Chamber in 2024.In addition to her professional work, Lauren actively contributes to her community by serving on several boards, including New Georgia Baseball as Secretary, Paulding County Baseball Advisory Board as Secretary, Douglas County Young Professionals as Treasurer, and The ATIR Community. Outside of work and volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her fourteen-year-old son and her family.Support the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSummary - In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Summer DeRay, an experienced Public Information Officer (PIO) with a rich background in communications and community engagement. Summer shares her journey from working in newsrooms to her current role at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). She discusses the importance of building relationships with local tribes, the evolution of social media in public information, and the significance of community engagement. Summer also emphasizes the need for self-care among PIOs to prevent burnout and shares her success stories in community outreach. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Summer's personal insights and philosophies.Summer's BiIO: Summer Derrey is an MPIO with nearly 20 years of experience at WSDOT. She excels at breaking down complex engineering jargon into easy-to-understand information for the public. From Washington's harsh winter weather to summer construction projects, Derrey uses various communication methods. Recently, her work has centered on traffic safety, community engagement, and tribal relations.LinkedInSummer's Email  - Summerinthefall@gmail.comSupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Donna Rossi, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Phoenix Police Department. Donna shares her unique journey from being a police officer to a broadcast journalist and leading the Public Affairs Bureau. The conversation covers the current staffing challenges the Phoenix PD faces, the importance of crisis communication, and the innovative strategies being implemented to enhance community relations and transparency. Donna emphasizes the need for collaboration between sworn and civilian staff and discusses the significance of internal communications within the department. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions and key takeaways from Donna's experiences and insights.Donna's Email Donna.Rossi@pheonix.govRecruitment Website:  joinphxpd.comSupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Special Projects Coordinator Taylor Merriss from the Evansville Police Department shares insights about her role, community engagement strategies, and the importance of transparency in law enforcement. She discusses her background, the challenges of recruiting, and the innovative ways the department connects with the community, including their podcast 'What's Your 20'. Taylor emphasizes the significance of building trust and relationships within the community and highlights her experiences in various outreach initiatives.Taylor's Bio: Officer Taylor Merriss was born and raised in southeast side Evansville. She is proud of her roots and alma mater: Bosse High School and the University of Southern Indiana. She was a collegiate athlete who played golf and received criminal justice and sociology degrees. She has been a member of the Evansville Police Department for 9 years and in her most current position, as Special Projects Coordinator, for nearly 4 years. She takes pride in being a liaison to the local and national media and her community. She won the Evansville Regional Economic Partnerships' Young Professional of the Year for 2024.Taylors Email - tmerriss@evansvillepolice.comSupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textBridget has firsthand experience with harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment.  As the only female on the SWAT team, along with her time on patrol and as an undercover narcotics investigator, she knows what it feels like to have no one to trust and to feel defeated at every turn.This is why Bridget started the Lady Law Shield: to help those feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by a seemingly unwinnable battle.  Bridget is passionate about helping anyone facing the same types of internal employment-related issues discover their ability to find happiness daily, regardless of the environment or circumstances surrounding them.Bridget has 30 years of wellness, leadership, law enforcement, and legal training and experience that you can leverage for a blueprint on how to feel more comfort, ease, and support for increased balance and joy in life. Bridget is an attorney, former Deputy Sheriff (Patrol, SWAT, and Undercover Narcotics), and founder and CEO of the Lady Law Shield Law Firm and Protective Wellness.  She is licensed to practice in TX, LA, NY, and FL.  Lady Law Shield helps clients across the country with employment-related issues based on violations of protections afforded by federal law.Bridgets Email - bridget@ladylawsheild.comSupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textVictorian Simmons currently works as the Public Information Officer for the Town of Apex. Prior to her position with Apex, she was the Community Engagement Specialist for the Greensboro Fire Department. Victorian has been published in Firehouse Magazine and was a featured speaker at the 2024 NFPA Conference and the North Carolina Fire Educators Conference. She is the 2023 Greensboro Mosi Award recipient for reaching non-English speaking communities with fire safety video messages and the 2024 Greensboro Employee Innovation Award recipient for designing and developing a booklet to help community members after they have been affected by fires. She was just selected as the 2024 International Rising Star by Women in Fire Safety. She has been recognized multiple times and has received awards from her community for using creative strategies to effectively reach specific audiences with life saving information. She is locally known for her small business Fire & Oak where she teaches smaller departments how to effectively use digital communications like social media, website design, and photography/videography. She is an adjunct Professor for GTCC Fire Academy where she teaches Public Safety Communications courses to students in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. Though she has a quickly growing career in the fire industry, she has an extensive background in marketing and communications. Simmons has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Keuka College, a Master's degree in Business Management from Elmira College, and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Strategic Communication from Liberty University. She has spent the last 9 years in managerial roles focused on strategic communications, marketing, writing, photography, social media, and design.Victorian's LinkedInEye-Opening Moments PodcastEye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textJonee Lewis is an Emmy-award-winning Journalist who is now the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Tampa Police Department. Jonee' is a Lakeland native with 13 years of experience in the media industry, having previously served as a reporter for Fox 13 in Tampa and television news stations in Memphis, Winston-Salem, Myrtle Beach, Gainesville, and Tallahassee.  She holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Media Studies from Florida State University. She is thrilled to serve her community in this new capacity and promote positive relationships between law enforcement and those who live, work, and visit the City of Tampa.Email - mailto: tpd-pio@tampagov.netEye-Opening Moments PodcastEye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textAs the Executive Director of Public Affairs for the Atlanta Police Department, Chata Spikes manages the department's overall communication strategy which includes developing organizational messaging both internal and external. Ms. Spikes has worked in media and public relations industry for more than 18 years.  She served as Media Liaison for the Georgia Department of Transportation, Public Information Officer for DeKalb County government, Communications Specialist Supervisor/Technical Writer for Time Warner/Turner Broadcasting and an Assistant Professor of Mass Communications at her alma mater Fort Valley State University.  Additionally, she had a successful media career having worked for WSB-TV (Atlanta, Ga.), CNN (Atlanta, Ga.), DeKalb County-TV, Fox News Network, and WYFF News (Greenville, SC) in variety of on-camera and off-camera roles. In 2016, she joined Atlanta Police Department in the role of Deputy Director of Public Affairs under Chief George N. Turner, until her departure to become the first Director of Communications and External Affairs for the City of South Fulton. Most recently, she has owned and operated a communications/leadership consulting firm specializing in media, leadership and customer service training for diverse audiences to include schools, churches and government entities. She rejoined the Atlanta Police Department in 2020 under Chief Rodney N. Bryant.Support the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textStephen Combs currently serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for Bluffton Township Fire District, having joined the agency in February 2023. In his role, he oversees all communications for the district's nine stations, including handling service calls, public education, community events, and media relations.Highlights:Credentialing: Stephen is among only 35 internationally credentialed PIOs through the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC). He's also a FEMA Master PIO and South Carolina Certified Emergency Manager.Experience: He boasts nearly a decade of experience in disaster response, crisis communications, and strategic planning.Teaching Role: Stephen is an adjunct instructor with Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), providing national training in public information principles for all-hazards incidents.Previous Work: Before joining Bluffton, he worked at the Anderson County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina, offering strategic communications guidance and managing Joint Information Centers during significant emergencies.Notable Incidents: Stephen has managed communication efforts for various major incidents, including the South Carolina "1000-year Flood" in 2015 and the Townville Elementary School shooting in 2016.Published Author: He contributed to the 2022 ASIS Security Industry Book of the Year, writing the chapter "Successfully Navigating Media for the Emergency Manager."Stephen Combs brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role, making him a valuable asset to the Bluffton Township Fire District.Stephen's EmailEye-Opening Moments PodcastEye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textSarah Loyd is the Head of Product Success & Evangelism at Social News Desk, where she has spent more than a decade helping to develop cutting-edge software that supports social media workflows for government, journalism, and education. With a solid social media management and journalism background, Sarah is dedicated to ensuring clients get the most out of the platform. She spends her free time cheering on her son and the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio, Texas.Sarah Loyd's LinkedInEmail info@socialnewsdesk.comSocialNewsDesk.comSupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Send us a textIt should be noted that this entire podcast episode was created with the assistance of Notebook LM. The information was gathered from blog posts to the Life of A PIO Blog, which comes out weekly. To subscribe to our substack. Please follow the link. https://piopodcast.substack.com/Support the show

Send us a textIn our season fiinale, we highlight the 10 most listened to episodes of 2024. 1 S4 - E6 Alexa Boylon, Director of Communications, Indianapolis Metro PD2 S4 - E1  Kayla Gneck Smith, PIO Tempe PD3 S4 - E2 Jesse Carr, PIO Dallas PD4 S4 - E4 Julie Mann, PIO Kane County Government, Kane Cty Illinois 5 S4 - E40 Captain Jon Vick, PIO Lawrence County Sheriffs Office6 S4 - E 39 Kristi Jourdan, PIO Contra Costa County Government, CA 7 s4 - E22 Chief of Police Christopher Cook. Chief, Whitesettlement PD, TX8 s4 - E7 Cara Cruz , PIO Pittsburgh PD9 S4 - E9  Brent Weisburg, Director of Communicaitons, Salt Lake City PD10 S4 - E5 Irene Mahoney, PIO Mesa PDSupport the show

Send us a textThe host of the PIO Podcast wants to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday!Support the show

Send us a textEvery organization faces the challenge of accelerating change. We help you turn that challenge into an opportunity.Kotter pioneered the science of change through decades of Harvard research and real-world experience. Transformation powered by Kotter gets to the heart of business problems quickly – delivering new levels of performance, leadership, and teamwork.Accelerated Transformation. Strategy Execution. Leadership Development. Powered by Kotter.Laurin's LInkedInScale 2 The Top with Dr. Lyman Montgomery Welcome to Scale 2 the Top," the essential podcast for business leaders and HR...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Send us a textLexi Qass'uq Trainer (Cup'ik/Yup'ik) is a communications and storytelling professional. As an Alaska Native woman, Lexi is passionate about giving back to her community and preserving her cultural heritage. She actively incorporates her traditional values into her work, ensuring her strategies are effective, culturally appropriate, and inclusive.Lexi's Email Scale 2 The Top with Dr. Lyman Montgomery Welcome to Scale 2 the Top," the essential podcast for business leaders and HR...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Send us a textLt. Patrick Juliano began his career with the Palm Coast Fire Department in 2006 as a Volunteer Firefighter and became a career firefighter in 2008. He earned his Firefighter Certification from First Coast Technical College, obtained his EMT Certification in New York, and completed his Paramedic training and Associate Degree at Daytona State College. Patrick furthered his education by earning a Bachelor's Degree from Flagler College and a Master's from Barry University. He was promoted to Driver Engineer in 2018 and to Lieutenant in 2021. Before joining the fire service, he worked as an EMT in New York and spent several years in the funeral industry. In addition to his firefighting responsibilities, Lieutenant Juliano serves as the department's Public Information Officer and is the Palm Coast Professional Firefighters Vice President.Patrick's Email Scale 2 The Top with Dr. Lyman Montgomery Welcome to Scale 2 the Top," the essential podcast for business leaders and HR...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Send us a textZack Seipert is the Marketing & Communications Specialist for the Central Utah Water Conservancy District and co-author of “The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever.” Zack knows how to get important messages seen, heard, and understood in today's fast-paced world. He has a bachelor's degree in Digital Marketing from Utah Valley University and currently serves as the West Region Council Representative for the Government Social Media Professional Association. Find him online at zackseipert.com and on LinkedIn @zack-seipertCold Case Western AustraliaThey're the crimes that continue to haunt grieving family members and the wider...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Send us a textSarah Lux earned a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida and a master's degree in public relations from Full Sail University.  Sarah has practiced Public Relations for ten years, focusing on community education, government affairs, and crisis communications. She is part of the Florida Association of Public Information Officers' deployment team and the Lead PIO for Florida's Region 5 All-Hazards Incident Management Team. The state of Florida has deployed her to aid communications in other counties four times, including Fort Myers Beach, after Hurricane Ian. She is part of the 2024 Master PIO cohort, a federal training program that has accepted and certified less than 170 PIOs nationwide. Lux prides herself on her ability to explain complex governmental matters to citizens in her community clearly.Support the show

Send us a textLaura McElroy is an award-winning journalist and communication strategist with 33 years of experience. She has managed high-profile crises and large events, like the Republican National Convention and Super Bowl XLIII. She consults for government agencies and major companies, develops communication strategies, and provides executive-level training. She has a deep understanding of media dynamics, crisis communication, and community outreachhttps://mcelroymediagroup.com/Support the show

Send us a textAnna Smith is the Public Information Officer for Morehead City, NC, and has more than a decade of professional communications experience. She graduated from Penn State with a degree in Print Journalism and Spanish before moving to North Carolina in 2011. She enjoys disseminating information on the city's departments, including Fire-EMS and Police. When she isn't covering everything from community events to crisis communications, you can find her baking, reading a good book, or spending time with her husband and their cat, Otto.Anna's LinkedInSupport the showThis episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Send us a textCaptain John Vik is a native of Lancaster County, Nebraska and began working in law enforcement through the military. He served in the 155th Security Forces Squadron of the Nebraska Air National Guard from 2001 – 2007 including time on active duty in support of Operations Noble Eagle & Enduring Freedom. He joined the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office in 2007 and graduated from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center's 167th Basic Training Academy. During his career, Captain Vik has served in all sworn divisions within the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, including assignments as a Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Criminal Investigator, Crash Reconstructionist, and Instructor. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2013 and then to Captain in 2017.  Today, Captain Vik commands LSO's Patrol Division, overseeing uniformed patrol operations throughout Lancaster County.Captain Vik has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He is a certified instructor for Georgetown University Law Center's ABLE Program (Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement) and a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.Captain Vik's proudest accomplishments are his marriage and his fatherhood. He and his wife, Heather, live in Lancaster County with their four children.John Vik's LinkedIn902 PodcastSupport the showThis episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Send us a textKristi is a former newspaper reporter with 15 years of experience leading and supporting crisis communications, cofounder and executive communications, external and internal communications, community relations, media relations, and more for Fortune 500 companies, local government, in-house, and agencies. She is the director for the Office of Communications & Media at Contra Costa County.Email - Kristi.Jourdan@contracostatv.orgSupport the showThis episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Send us a textLisa Glass is the Team Lead of communications & Engagement for the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group office in New Zealand. She is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) and a National Emergency Management Response Team (NZ EMAT) member. Lisa is the first person outside the United States to be selected for the FEMA Master PIO program, which she will complete in September. Lisa has graduate qualifications in business and public sector communications. Before joining emergency management, she worked in corporate comms and PR after a long stretch as a reporter, correspondent, and producer in TV News and Current Affairs.Bay of Plenty Emergency ServicesSupport the showThis episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Send us a textSonu Wasu is currently working as a Public Information Officer for the City of Chandler Police Department. She previously worked as the Public Safety, PIO for the Town of Queen Creek, where she helped put together a campaign to launch the Queen Creek Police Department and served as the Town's first PIO for Police & Fire. Sonu has also worked in the private sector, handling internal and external communications for executives at a Fortune 200 company. She served as a Brand Ambassador for Avnet and helped launch the Asian-American & Pacific Islander employee resource group. Prior to that Sonu was a broadcast news reporter for 25-years. She has worked for multiple networks around the country reporting on everything from breaking news to city, county and state government, courtroom trials, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, extreme heat and Haboobs. Sonu also spent months at the U.S.- Mexico border in Arizona covering immigration issues, drug & human smuggling, and the plight of migrants repeatedly trying to illegally enter into the United States.  Sonu has won multiple journalism awards for her work on immigration issues, human trafficking, and other feature and spot news stories. She graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Bioengineering and is currently completing a B.S. in Strategic Communications.She is an FBI-LEEDA and FEMA certified Public Information Officer, working toward her certification as a Master PIO through FBI-LEEDA.Sonu's email Support the showThis episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Send us a textMaren McKay is the Public Affairs and Communications Manager for the Lynnwood Police Department! She comes from a strong broadcast journalist background after reporting in two bureaus in Northwest Montana. She reported during the height of COVID and BLM and broke stories to people around the state. After reporting, she switched to public relations and was the PR Manager for Whitefish Mountain Resort. Her favorite thing about that job? Snowboarding every day in the winter and Huckleberry picking in the summer. There, she led DEI conversations and re-structured the resort's newsletter. A few years ago, Maren moved to Seattle, where she was the PR Manager for the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. She coordinated high-profile commercial shoots there and led the first New Year's at the Needle show since COVID. In her current role as Public Affairs and Communications Manager,  Maren oversees all external and internal messaging. She's created crisis communications plans, established the department's brand and voice, and strengthened internal communications. No day is the same at the department! Outside work, Maren loves traveling with her husband, spending time with friends, and wrangling her 9-year-old Pit mix, Jackson.Support the showThis episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Send us a Text Message.Cynthia McLaughlin serves as the Public Information Officer for the Sarasota Police Department under the Office of the Chief of Police, a role she assumed later in 2023 after joining the department in January of the same year.In this capacity, Cynthia develops, implements, and evaluates communication strategies and public information campaigns to inform Sarasota citizens about the department's services, programs, and initiatives. Her work is crucial in missing persons cases, crime prevention, and the identification of suspects. Cynthia ensures that the department maintains a quality reputation by effectively communicating with a wide range of audiences, including organizations, neighborhood associations, employees, news media, and other community partners through both social and traditional media. She is passionate about humanizing the badge and maintaining transparency with the community.Cynthia brings extensive experience in social media and reporting from television news stations across the country, including East Texas and Bismarck, North Dakota. She served as the evening news anchor at SNN, The Suncoast News Network, which brought her to the Suncoast. Her quick and concise ability to disseminate news has earned her numerous state-wide and multi-state Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) awards for Investigative and Spot News Reporting, competing among all market sizes, including major cities. She was also a Lone Star Emmy award finalist for her relentless coverage during a severe winter storm that knocked out power to most of the state.Originally from Dallas, Texas, Cynthia graduated from Southern Methodist University with degrees in Journalism and Business.Support the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Send us a Text Message.Kim Clark (she/her) helps communicators discover and own their unique DEI narrative. She works with communicators to combine the power of communications with the possibility of diversity, equity, and inclusion to create stronger and safer workplace cultures for every employee and increase trust and reputation with their audience.She is the co-author of The Conscious Communicator: The fine art of not saying stupid sh*t, an Amazon #1 bestseller that features The DEPTH Model (TM). DEPTH is a strategic and proactive positional framework to guide organizations on DEI and social topics and messaging.https://www.kimclarkcommunications.com/PodMatchPodMatch Automatically Matches Ideal Podcast Guests and Hosts For InterviewsSupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Send us a Text Message.Hillary Mintz serves as the Public Information Officer for Waukesha County. She joined the County in 2023 after spending over a decade as a trusted journalist for WISN-TV, the local ABC affiliate in Milwaukee, where she covered news across Southeast Wisconsin. In her role as PIO, Hillary works in the County Executive's Office, where she collaborates with the County's 17 departments, managing media relations and communications both internally for staff and externally for the community. She also oversees several of the County's social media channels, posting creative video content about various departments, events, and urgent, critical information.Hillary has been certified by FEMA as an Advanced Public Information Officer. Her passion for public service and dedication to keeping the community informed are qualities she brings from her background in local TV news. Prior to Hillary's time in news and at Waukesha County, she grew up near Philadelphia and played Division 1 tennis for the University of Iowa.Hillary continues to play tennis competitively and with her family.This Is PropagandaChallenging marketers' delusions about the cultural impact of our work. A WEBBY winner!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Send us a Text Message.Scott Thomsen has served on the board of the NAGC for eight years, including previous roles as president-elect and communications director. He is the director of communications and public affairs for the Ventura County (California) Fire Department, overseeing the public information officers, community education, and community engagement. Previously, he served in various communications roles, including director, for Seattle City Light, a municipally owned electric utility, after a 20-year career in journalism as a reporter and editor for multiple news organizations, including The Orange County Register and The Associated Press.Lawrence J. Parnell, M.B.A., is an award-winning Public Relations professional and academic who is an Associate Professor and Director of the George Washington University Master's in Strategic Public Relations program. He has served in this role for 14 years, and the GWU Master's is now one of the best-known and most admired programs in the US.He holds a BS in Journalism from Boston University and an MBA from the University of New Haven. He is pursuing an advanced Strategic Management and Public Policy degree from the GW School of Business. He also operates Parnell Communications, a strategic communications and leadership training firm. He advises government, corporate, and non-profit organizations on executive development and strategic communications.  Prior to coming to GW, he had a 32-year career in the private and public sectors. He has worked in corporate, agency, and government settings globally and in national and statewide political campaigns. PR Week recognized him as PR Professional of the Year (2003) and named him to the PR News Hall of Fame in 2009. He is a frequent author and speaker on communications strategy, crisis and issues management, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at industry conferences and universities worldwide. He is the co-author of a top-selling public relations textbook, Introduction to Public Relations, published by Sage Publishing. The text, now in its second edition, is used by over 35 undergraduate Mass Communications and Public Relations programs in North America.He is a member of the Page Society and serves on the Board of the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Parnell is active on Twitter (@gwprmasters) and LinkedIn, posting commentary and sharing research and his insights on current issues in communications and politics.To read the study (Click HerThis Is PropagandaChallenging marketers' delusions about the cultural impact of our work. A WEBBY winner!Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify The Brandon T. Adams Audio ExperienceWelcome to The Brandon T. Adams Audio Experience, hosted by entrepreneur, investor,...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Send us a Text Message.Greg Matusky is a passionate student of human communications and how it powers our culture, economy, and future. As CEO of Gregory FCA, one of the 40 largest PR firms in America, he has helped develop the communication skills of hundreds of professionals, providing them with insights from more than 40 years of experience in storytelling, from his beginnings as a magazine article writer to his present role as head of Gregory FCA.A student of Gladwell, Pinker, and Chomsky, he is not afraid to delve into the rabbit holes of linguistics and cognition to uncover the process of human communications and share his discoveries. His most recent interest lies in artificial intelligence and how AI transforms corporate communications and public relations. In that respect, he oversaw the development of one of the first generative AI tools for public relations professionals, Gladwrite, which his team created before OpenAI introduced ChatGPT in November 2022. In early 2023, the team at Gregory FCA launched WriteRelease, a free AI press release creation tool customized to produce more than 70 news release types. Matusky's fascination with AI is driven by a deep desire to allow others to do it digitally in seconds, which took him years to master.Last year, Matusky launched his podcast series, "The Disruption is Now," where he interviews leaders across various industries to explore how AI impacts their fields.This Is PropagandaChallenging marketers' delusions about the cultural impact of our work. A WEBBY winner!Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify The Brandon T. Adams Audio ExperienceWelcome to The Brandon T. Adams Audio Experience, hosted by entrepreneur, investor,...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Michael Sugrue began his law enforcement career in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces Officer in 1998.  As a Security Forces Officer, Michael specialized in Law Enforcement, Global Force Protection, Anti-Terrorism, Nuclear Security, Foreign Air Field Assessments and Air Base Ground Defense.  Michael served in a variety of assignments, including Flight Leader, Flight Commander, Senior Watch Officer, Chief of Command Post, and Chief of Security Forces.Michael served all over the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and South America.  He was also a Security Forces Phoenix Raven with the unique identifier of #1173.   Michael honorably separated from the Air Force as a Captain in 2004.Immediately after the Air Force, Michael was hired by the Walnut Creek Police Department, where he served in a variety of assignments including Patrol Officer, Driver Training Instructor (EVOC), Field Training Officer (FTO), SIU Detective, Undercover CA DOJ Narcotic Task Force Agent (Contra Costa County), Public Information Officer (PIO) and Patrol Sergeant.  Michael was awarded the Walnut Creek PD Distinguished Service Medal in 2014 for his heroic and life-saving actions during a Fatal Officer Involved Shooting in 2012.  Michael ultimately medically retired in 2018.  He is now a Peer Volunteer at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat (WCPR) and an Ambassador for Save A Warrior (SAW).  Michael is a dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, and training on Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) and First Responder Suicide Prevention. Michael continues to speak at law enforcement agencies all over the United States.Subject in Mission 22 “Smash The Stigma” short documentary film, and subject in full-length documentary film “Residual: Cumulative Trauma and PTSD in First Responders.”In his International #1 BEST-SELLING book, RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma, along with Dr. Shauna Springer, PhD, they tackle the complexity of trauma within the law enforcement community, uncovering the unspoken barriers, and outline a path to healing.RELENTLESS COURAGE was released in Spring 2022 and has been described by Lt. Col. David Grossman, best-selling author of On Killing and On Combat, as “one of the most important books of our time” and “the natural successor to On Combat.” HIS NEW BOOK IS AVAILABLE HERE amzn.to/3vDZvSwThis Is PropagandaChallenging marketers' delusions about the cultural impact of our work. A WEBBY winner!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Stephanie "Steph" Bishop currently serves as a Public Information Officer and member of the Command and General Staff of California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 (CIIMT 4), a Federal Type 1“All-Hazards” Incident Management Team. Stephanie serves as the lead managing and mentoring other Public Information Officers to establish and coordinate all media, community, and stakeholder relation information needs during an incident. In addition, she is responsible for establishing and maintaining positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships with local, state, tribal, and federal governments to ensure the right message is being delivered to those affected promptly and accurately.Before joining CIIMT4, she had a diverse and impressive background in various fields related to public safety, communications, and emergency response that gave her a unique perspective on the challenges faced in public relations. Stephanie was introduced to public information during her 18 years in law enforcement, specializing in child crimes and human trafficking, where she would assist in communicating with the media and public about ongoing investigations and high-profile cases.With over 25 years of experience and training, she has a wealth of knowledge and skills that she brings to her role as a Public Information Officer. She has a Bachelor's degree in Criminology from Regis University. She attended Purdue University, obtaining a Master's in Crisis and Strategic Communications and Strategic Management. Stephanie has a passion for sharing her experience with others through teaching and has been a subject matter expert in strategic communications. She is an instructor for the USFS and NPS in Region 5 S203 Public Information Course, L952 All Hazards Public Information, and assists in mentoring and coaching in Command and General Staff courses.Stephanies EmailThis Is PropagandaChallenging marketers' delusions about the cultural impact of our work. A WEBBY winner!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Dr. Jonathan Schwabish is an economist, writer, teacher, and data communications expert. He is considered a leading voice for clarity and accessibility in how analysts, researchers, and scholars communicate their findings. Across four books, he has provided a comprehensive guide to creating, communicating, and distributing data-rich content. Better Presentations coaches people through preparing, designing, and delivering data communication products; Elevate the Debate helps people develop a strategic plan to communicating their work across multiple platforms and channels; and Better Data Visualizations details essential strategies to create more effective data visualizations. His most recent book, Data Visualization in Excel, hit bookshelves in May 2023 and helps readers create better graphs and charts in the Excel software tool. He is on Twitter @jschwabish.Connect with me:PolicyViz website (http://policyviz.com/)Substack (https://jschwabish.substack.com/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/policyviz)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jschwabish/?hl=en)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanschwabish/)Twitter (https://twitter.com/jschwabish)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/JonSchwabish)This Is PropagandaChallenging marketers' delusions about the cultural impact of our work. A WEBBY winner!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Darren Wright is currently the Public Information Officer for Oro Valley AZ Police.He retired from the Washington State Patrol as a Sergeant, after serving 31 years. His final assignment was the Headquarters Public Information Officer (PIO), where he handled major media inquiries, statewide impact incidents and oversaw the district PIO program.He has a master's degree in communications with a Public Relations concentration from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor's degree in communication from the same university.He is an Honorably discharged veteran from the United States Marine Corps.Darren Wright - dwright@orovalleyaz.govThis Is PropagandaChallenging marketers' delusions about the cultural impact of our work. A WEBBY winner!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Keaira Turner has a knack and passion for managing brands for companies and building strategic communication that helps bridge the gap between organizations and their consumers. Keaira attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and graduated in December 2016 with her bachelor's degree in communication studies. Deciding to further her education, Ms. Turner sought to gain her master's degree. In 2019, Keaira graduated with honors in Integrated Media Communication from Webster University and is enrolled in a doctorate program at Liberty University for strategic media. During her career, Keaira worked full-time within corporate communication spaces to bring more awareness and ideas on increasing marketing efforts. With a remarkable tenure in PR and marketing, Keaira has mastered the art of crafting and executing strategic communication plans. Her deep understanding of marketing dynamics and ability to leverage the power of communication have earned her widespread recognition and accolades throughout her career. This experience has led Keaira to assume the Director of Public Affairs role for the City of Chattanooga Police Department. Through her innovative ideas and unwavering dedication, she implemented various changes that heightened awareness and strengthened community relations.This Is PropagandaChallenging marketers' delusions about the cultural impact of our work. A WEBBY winner!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Lisa FarbteinLisa Farbstein is a dynamic, results-focused, creative veteran media relations/public affairs professional with more than 30 years of experience. She has been a spokesperson with the Transportation Security Administration for 13 years and is currently responsible for covering seven states, including seven of the largest airports in the country—JFK, Newark, LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Reagan-National and Dulles Airports.  Prior to joining TSA, Ms. Farbstein was the chief spokesperson for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority—or Metro--the subway and bus system in the nation's capital, where she worked for 10 years. Ms. Farbstein has also served as the chief spokesperson for the Arlington (Virginia) Public School system and a spokesperson for Hood College, a small liberal arts college in central Maryland. She began her career as a journalist. Ms. Farbstein earned her bachelor's degree from Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, and her master's degree from Hood College in Maryland.Emily Bonilla - PietonEmily Bonilla-Pieton has been with the US government for nearly 15 years and is currently the TSA's Lead Social Media Strategist. A first-generation Salvadorian-Puerto Rican child of immigrants and so-called "Army Brat," she credits her cultural upbringing and life experiences as the foundation for her current success. A lover of pop culture and storytelling, she once aspired to be a news reporter and quickly shifted gears to a different type of media. Now, as TSA's lead social media strategist, she incorporates trending topics and helps make them into relatable but informative content. Much of her and her team's work has been recognized nationally, including being recognized by Forbes magazine as "12 Examples of Vocal Brands That Stand Out on Social Media."MyTSA AppTSA LinkedInTSA InstagramTSA FacebookTSA TwitterTSA YoutubeSupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Allison Waters-Merritt has worked with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office in Florida for 6 years as the agency's sole Public Information Officer. Before working as a PIO, Allison worked for 27 years in newspapers, starting as a photojournalist before moving to advertising, special sections editor, and news editor. She has a journalism degree from the University of Florida.Putnam County Sheriffs Media Email Address media@putnamsheriff.orgJust Access PodcastYour go-to listen for fascinating interviews and discussions about human rights todayListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Keith Thornton, a public safety expert with almost 25 years of experience, has a diverse community service background. From volunteering as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, police officer, and 911 dispatcher to his current role as a public safety account executive in the private sector, Keith's dedication to public safety is unwavering. Beyond his professional responsibilities, he actively advocates for first responders, foster children, and LGBTQAI+ community while always emphasizing the importance of mental health support.Just Access PodcastYour go-to listen for fascinating interviews and discussions about human rights todayListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003

Christopher Cook was appointed in 2022 as the Chief of Police for the City of White Settlement, Texas, a suburb of 21,000 residents in Western Tarrant County and nestled in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, the 5th largest in the U.S., with almost 7 million residents. Prior to that, he served as a Deputy Police Chief for the Arlington, Texas Police Department. White Settlement, known as the gateway to national defense, is home to major defense industries, including Lockheed Martin and the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base-Fort Worth. The White Settlement Police Department, one of only 186 agencies across Texas out of 2,700, is accredited by the Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Accreditation Program, the gold standard for recognition, through the Texas Police Chief's Association. The department, nationally recognized with awards, is a full-service law enforcement agency with 53 team members. In May 2024, Christopher became a published author with The Art of Strategic Communication, a Police Chief's Guide to Mastering Soundbites, Storytelling, and Community Engagement. This book culminated a three-year project that started while working as a Deputy Police Chief in Arlington, Texas, including writing and pulling resources together to assist law enforcement leaders and strategic communication advisors. Christopher Cook was appointed in 2023 to the Caruth Police Institute Executive Advisory Board, also appointed as an Associate Advisor to the Advisory Board of the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration and appointed to the Executive Board of the FBI National Command Course Association. He was also elected in 2023 to serve as a member of the Fort Worth Airpower Council, which provides support to military members and families. On December 6, 2023, Chief Cook was appointed to the International Association of Chiefs of Police – Police Professional Standards, Ethics, and Image Committee by IACP President Wade Carpenter. Christopher Cook began his law enforcement career at the Tarrant County Criminal Justice Training Center in 1995 and eventually worked at the Arlington, Texas Police Department, where he assailed through the ranks and retired as a DeputyPolice Chief in 2022. While in Arlington, he served as the department's Chief Spokesperson and Chief of Staff as a member of the executive team.Chief Cook served as the Vice President, President, and Immediate Past President of the National Information Officers Association (NIOA), representing the largest group of government communicators in the world from 2019-2023. Chief Cook was appointed Chair for the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) – Public Information Officers (PIO) Committee in 2018, representing 78 of the largest police departments in the United States and Canada. He was also elected General Chair for the International Association of Chiefs of Police – PIO Section from 2015-2018. Chief Cook has also served as a Regional Vice Chair for the IACP.Amazon link to the Art of Strategic CommunicationChief Cook's LinkedIn Grave InjusticeThe makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court and the cases they are hearing are no...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.This episode is sponsored by John Guilfoil Public Relations. From crisis communications to website development; visit our website JGPR.net or call 617.993.0003