Public-sector communicators are often expected to move quickly, respond to competing requests, and deliver tactics on tight timelines. In that environment, planning is frequently compressed or skipped altogether, making communication decisions harder to explain, defend, and evaluate.

This in-depth, in-person CAPIO regional workshop focuses exclusively on the RPIE framework, Research, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation, a nationally recognized planning model and the gold standard used in the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) process. Rather than treating RPIE as a template or academic exercise, this session emphasizes how the framework functions as a practical decision-making tool for real-world public-sector communications.

Through guided instruction, facilitated discussion, and hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to:

• Use research intentionally to inform decisions, not justify them after the fact
• Distinguish clearly between objectives, strategy, and tactics
• Write SMART objectives that define what success looks like
• Develop strategy as an approach, not a list of activities
• Select tactics that align with strategy and available resources
• Evaluate effectiveness in realistic, defensible ways
• Apply RPIE thinking to everyday requests, prioritization, and leadership conversations

Participants will work through realistic public-sector scenarios and practice building clear, defensible communication plans that can be confidently explained to leadership, colleagues, and the communities they serve. The workshop prioritizes clarity over complexity and focuses on strengthening planning habits that improve both decision-making and outcomes.

This workshop is good for the following credits:

• J. Lindsay Wolf CAPIO Certificate in Communications - Strategic Communications
• APR CEU

Speakers:

Robin Rockey, APR
CEO
RockSpark Communications + Marketing

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, APR
Professor of Communication Arts and Leadership Studies
California Baptist University

Sarah Lemons
Senior Program Manager, Communication & Engagement
City of Carlsbad

Patrice Smith, APR  
APR and Ethics Chair
Orange County PRSA

Date: March 5, 2026

Check-in: 8:30 a.m.
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: City of Escondido – Police & Fire HQ Community Room
1163 North Centre City Parkway
Escondido, CA 92026

Lunch and light refreshments are included.

Register

Cost: $100 – CAPIO Members/$165 – Non Members

BIOS

Robin Rockey, APR

RockSpark Communications + Marketing CEO Robin Rockey, APR, is a nationally recognized government communications and public relations leader. Her company, RockSpark Communications + Marketing is an award-winning, full-service agency specializing in government communications, marketing and public relations with a focus on helping cities, special districts and public agencies achieve their goals.

Robin recently served as CAPIO’s representative on the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which oversees the APR credential. She has also served in several board positions on the Public Relations Society of America’s Orange County Chapter’s Board of Directors.

Robin’s travel book 100 Things to Do in Orange County Before You Die is now available wherever books are sold. Her articles have appeared in Sunset, Westways, TravelAge West and more. She has interviewed everyone from San Diego zoo animal trainers to actor Robert De Niro.

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, APR

With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Mary Ann Pearson is a seasoned leader in communication, education, and leadership development. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and has spent the past 20 years inspiring students in communication and leadership programs at California Baptist University. Her research explores key topics such as mentoring cultures, shared leadership, psychological safety, and resilience training; utilizing qualitative methods to uncover insights that support growth in diverse environments. As a Kienel Leadership Institute fellow, Dr. Pearson is dedicated to advancing servant and transformational leadership, equipping individuals to navigate adversity through the power of emotional intelligence and resilience.

Sarah Lemons

Sarah Lemons is the Communication & Engagement Senior Program Manager for the City of Carlsbad, where she leads a team that provides internal and external communication services, including public outreach, marketing, social media, media relations, video, graphics, and community engagement. Sarah collaborates with staff across city departments to design and implement effective communication programs that support a unified voice and brand aligned with the city’s mission, vision and values.

Prior to joining the City of Carlsbad in 2019, Sarah worked with public affairs firm Katz & Associates where she led communication and public outreach efforts for the City of San Diego’s Pure Water Program, the city’s largest infrastructure project to date. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and journalism, with an emphasis in public relations from Cal State Long Beach.

Patrice Smith, APR  

Patrice Smith, APR is a seasoned strategic communications professional with a wealth of experience spanning diverse industries. Her journey includes roles in the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives, in addition to serving as the vice president of media relations at one of the nation’s top 10 banks. Smith has also excelled as a public relations practitioner in various public affairs and communications agencies. Her dedication to leadership development is evident through her recent participation in the Rising Leadership Program at the Aspen Institute, where she engaged in meaningful exchanges with world leaders and senior government officials.