CAPIO is proud to recognize the following City of Palm Springs team members as the recipients of the Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Leader Award, honoring their exceptional leadership, professionalism, and expertise during an unprecedented crisis response.

The recipients are:

• Amy Blaisdell, Chief Communications Officer
• Lt. Mike Villegas, Palm Springs Police Department
• Capt. Ronald Skyberg, Palm Springs Fire Department
• Kitty Alvarado, Palm Springs Public Information Officer
• Denise Goolsby, Palm Springs Neighborhoods Manager
• Benjamin Eye, Communications Specialist

On May 17, 2025, when a terrorist bombing struck the American Reproductive Health Center, Palm Springs faced an immediate and traumatic crisis that drew national scrutiny and intense local fear. From the first moments after the explosion, this communications team provided calm, credible, and compassionate leadership. Emergency communications protocols were activated without delay, roles were clearly defined, and the team coordinated tightly with police, fire, emergency management, and regional, state, and federal partners to ensure verified, actionable information reached decision makers, first responders, the media, and the public.

Recognizing the emotional weight of the incident, the team balanced urgency with empathy in every message. They issued rapid emergency public information across press releases, social media, the City website, and direct media engagement while actively countering speculation. A joint news conference with the FBI was convened within hours, and a centralized information hub at EngagePalmSprings.com provided consistent updates. Visual aids, maps, and graphics were used strategically to show affected areas, safety perimeters, and detours, making complex operational details accessible to residents, visitors, and vulnerable populations.

Their interagency collaboration strengthened partnerships and demonstrated the professionalism expected at the state and national level during an event of this magnitude. The team also sustained operations thoughtfully by prioritizing staff wellbeing through practical support such as meals, flexible scheduling, and emotional care so that performance could be maintained throughout prolonged response activities.

Beyond stabilizing the immediate crisis, the team helped lead the community toward recovery through the Rebuild Palm Springs initiative and the Palm Springs Recovery Fund, supporting small business owners whose storefronts were impacted. Their work not only preserved public safety but also restored trust and unity across the community.

City Manager Scott C. Stiles offered this reflection on their service, “I know I can speak for everyone in Palm Springs when I say we are deeply grateful for their calm and professional expertise on that awful day. Their actions represent the highest standards of the crisis communications profession and merit recognition through this distinguished award.”

The Palm Springs Communications Team exemplifies the decisive leadership, strategic communication, and unwavering commitment to public service that the Frank Potter Cowan Award honors.