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Maurice Chaney selected as the 2024 Paul B. Clark recipient
Maurice Chaney, an award-winning strategic communications professional with over 24 years of combined experience in the public and private sectors, was awarded the 2024 Paul B. Clark Achievement Award by CAPIO on May 15 in Indian Wells during the CAPIO Annual Conference and Awards Dinner.
In his current role, Maurice is the Public Information Officer for the City of Roseville. He manages public relations and outreach and oversees a hands-on learning center for Environmental Utilities, a suite of community-owned utilities for a community of nearly 160,000.
CAPIO Chirp – Episode 11
Enjoy our latest podcast highlighting our upcoming CAPIO Annual Conference
For this CAPIO Chirp, we are excited to interview Thomas Christensen, CAPIO’s incoming president, about all things conference! Enjoy a sneak preview of what is in store for attendees at our May 13 – 16, 2024 event being held in Indian Wells – it’s where the desert landscape becomes the backdrop for your professional recharge.
Strategies for Crafting Standout Entries for CAPIO EPIC Awards
By Jalel Braden, Communications Specialist, San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association (SBCERA)
Awards Entry Deadline extended to March 11, 5 p.m.
Episode 10
Salute Your Staff: Recognizing the People Who Stand Behind Your Agency
Check out the latest episode of CAPIO Chirp podcast!
In this episode, Scotty and Paul talk with two outstanding communicators, DeDe Cordell, Communications Manager for Yuba Water Agency, and Dan Fenstermaker, Media Services Specialist at the City of Brea. They share some awesome ways to give love and show support to their staff and creatively highlight the dedicated people and roles of their government agencies. Listen now
CAPIO Conference exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities now available!
Get your company name in front of California's PIOs from across the state at CAPIO 2024
Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 2024 CAPIO Annual Conference being held May 13 – 16 in Indian Wells, California at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa.
Exhibit table space costs $2,500 and includes one conference attendee pass (valued at $675-$825) If you are looking for more visibility before and after the conference, sign up to be an annual partner with prices ranging from $3,500-$7,500 and would include your exhibit space and much more!
What is the Working Genius assessment tool?
Learn more at CAPIO's September Leadership Summit!
A new management and leadership tool being talked about is the 6 Types of “Working Genius” assessment.
The 6 Types of Working Genius is a model that helps people discover their natural gifts and thrive in their work and life. When people are able to better understand the types of work that bring them more energy and fulfillment and the work that leads to frustration and failure, they can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful.
CAPIO 2023 Leadership Summit
September 25 & 26
CAPIO is excited to announce that registration is now open for our inaugural Leadership Summit taking place in Lake Forest September 25 & 26!
Join us for an insightful and engaging two days geared toward public sector communicators looking to further their leadership skills. This summit is designed for both emerging leaders and seasoned professionals who desire to learn more about how to gain or keep a seat at the C-suite table, manage others and think strategically within their agency. To view the agenda and learn more by visiting the website.
What’s it take to be named Communicator of the Year?
Tune in to CAPIO Chirp's Episode 9
So what does it take to become Communicator of the Year? We find out from Wendy Aguilar with the Sacramento Fire Department, who received one of CAPIO’s highest honors at the recent conference in Monterey.
Hint: be open to crazy ideas
Find @sacramentofire on TikTok
Introducing CAPIO’s 2023-2024 Board of Directors
CAPIO is pleased to announce the 2023-2024 Board of Directors who oversee and guide the strategic direction for the association. As the state’s leading government communications association, the California Association of Public Information Officials serves our 1000-member network of public communicators through training, networking and professional development opportunities. Read on to learn more about our board members.
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District honored with 2023 Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communicator of the Year Award
Monterey, Calif., – The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District was awarded the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) 2023 Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communicator Award on Wednesday, May 3. LVMWD was honored for their dedication, perseverance, and customer-service central approach during the most critical months of the state-wide drought.
10 Reasons to Start Earning Accreditation in 2023
Chances are, if you haven’t already earned your APR, you’ve thought about what it might mean for you personally or how it could bolster your career. Maybe you’ve been thinking, “Next month will be the month!” And Now, Here. We. Are.
April is April is APR month, and CAPIO is proud to continue offering our members the internationally recognized Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). The APR is a true measure of excellence in the communications profession and the key to next-level career growth.
New and unique offerings at CAPIO 360
Monterey conference insights
In less than two months we will be seeing each other in Monterey! CAPIO 360 is your chance to reconnect with peers, learn from others and build your professional network as we convene May 1 - 4 at the Hyatt Regency, Monterey. Each year we try to incorporate some fresh new offerings in addition to perennial favorites and great educational content. Read on to learn more about the CAPIO conference happenings!
Now accepting applications for the 2025 CAPIO Young Communicator Scholarship
Deadline: March 21
Do you know an aspiring communications professional that could use some financial help? Applications are now being accepted for the CAPIO Young Communicator Scholarship. This program awards one $1,500 scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student seeking a career in government communications.
Eligible candidates must be enrolled full- or part-time at a California state college or university, or must have graduated within one year of applying for the scholarship. Candidates must be majoring in a communications-related field such as communications studies, public relations or marketing with a GPA of at least 3.0.
The CAPIO Young Communicator Scholarship was founded by long-time CAPIO member and former president Rachel Dickman, APR, and her mother, Josie Polites.
The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 21, 2025. Visit our website for more information on application requirements and to apply, or contact info@capio.org.
East Coast meets West Coast at CAPIO 2023
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and FBI's Cathy Milhoan to speak in Monterey
This just in! CAPIO is pleased to announce our two keynote speakers for the CAPIO Annual Conference: the FBI’s Cathy L. Milhoan and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.
CAPIO President kicks off membership month with a personal video message
Erin Morales, Government and Public Affairs Supervisor, Cucamonga Valley Water District
During the month of February we will be highlighting our members and having fun discussions on social media with with a chance to win prizes! Enjoy this video from CAPIO President Erin Morales as she shares a personal message to the membership about the value of CAPIO.
Watch your email and your Facebook & Instagram feeds to connect with your fellow CAPIANS and your chance to win!
So you want to start a government agency podcast?
Tune in to CAPIO Chirp's Episode 7
Did you know that podcast listening has grown by almost 30 percent in the past three years? And with that growth comes an opportunity for public agencies to better engage with their communities. But what does it take to develop a government podcast and how do you attract listeners?
In this episode of CAPIO Chirp, we talk with the City of Agoura Hills and the Cucamonga Valley Water District about what it takes to launch a successful podcast.
It’s a podcast about podcasting!
Listen now: So you want to start a government agency podcast?
CAPIO Board Welcomes Mid-Term Appointees
Board members appointed to fill vacancies
CAPIO is pleased to announce the appointment of board members assuming three positions due to mid-term shifts. While this is a rare occurrence, it can happen due to any number of things including promotions, job transitions or new responsibilities that conflict with a position. Because we will be holding an election in just four months, the Board has appointed Board members to assist in finishing out the current terms through the end of April. These positions will then be up for election.
Special Award Winners Announced during CAPIO’s EPIC Awards Gala
August 31, 2022 - San Diego
During CAPIO’s EPIC Awards Gala in San Diego last Wednesday, CAPIO honored three individuals who exemplify what it means to be top-notch government communicators – over the course of a year, during a crisis, or through a career-long dedication to the craft. We celebrate these individuals and congratulate them on their achievements. Read on to learn more about Olivia Applegate, Jennifer Carey and Jennifer Cabral.
2022 Communicator of the Year Award Recipient
Olivia Applegate
Honored for her exceptional leadership and excellence in strategic communications, Olivia has raised the bar in public communications.
Most recently, Olivia has transformed the San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association’s communications program that serves over 44,000 members and 16 employers throughout California.
With great drive and vision, Olivia led SBCERA through an organizational rebrand, website redesign, member engagement survey designed to help drive member experience efforts, and an employer survey designed to establish mutual priorities and help build consensus on strategic initiatives, electronic newsletter campaigns, and others. Olivia also led her team through an ambitious strategic communications plan, which has served as a guide to define, shape, and communicate SBCERA’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
2022 Paul B. Clark Recipient
Jennifer M. Cabral, MPA
Jennifer M. Cabral has been the voice of the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) for over 20 years. She oversees the Public Affairs Office and Board Services, a joint staff of 15 people, managing marketing communications, community relations, public affairs, legislative and government affairs, branding, stakeholder relationships, event planning, media relations, and board relations for the third largest wastewater treatment facility west of the Mississippi River.
Jennifer has become the sounding board for OC San’s executive management team and has gained a seat at the decision-makers’ table. Her value to the agency is demonstrated by the trust, confidence, and respect she has earned from her staff, peers, management, and Board of Directors.