CAPIO's Paul B. Clark Award was created in 1985 to recognize outstanding contributions of one of its members to the field of public information. Paul B. Clark was the City of Carson's public information officer, and a founder of the Southern California Association of Public Information Officials (SCAPIO), which later became the statewide organization, CAPIO. Mr. Clark died in 1985 and was presented the first award posthumously.

The Paul B. Clark Award is presented at the Annual Conference to the individual who, in the judgment of the CAPIO Board of Directors, demonstrates exceptional leadership in the field through professional commitment, including the mentoring of others and fostering a greater understanding of the PIO function among colleagues, community and the media. The award recipient must be a current CAPIO member with a minimum of five years public information experience. The CAPIO Board solicits nominations from the full membership; any CAPIO member in good standing may nominate any other member. The final selection is made by the Board prior to the Annual Conference.

The award winner receives a lifetime membership in CAPIO, a commemorative gift, and special recognition at the CAPIO Annual Conference. In addition, CAPIO will send a news release and supporting photograph(s) to the award winner's employer and to local media within ten days of the announcement.