The California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO), the state’s leading government communications association, named its 2021-2022 Board of Directors in April. While the association traditionally announces these changes during the spring annual conference, outgoing Board members were shown appreciation and new board members were welcomed during a virtual meeting last month. 

The 2021-2023 CAPIO board members elected include:

• Vice President- Awards – Sylvia Ornelas, public information specialist II, Rancho California Water District
• Vice President Communications  – Margie Otto, public relations and marketing manager, City of Pasadena, Water & Power
• Central CA Regional & Membership Chair – Lael Wageneck, APR, public information officer, Santa Barbara County Public Works Department
• Northern CA Regional & Membership Chair – Leslie Arroyo, MBA, communications director, City of South San Francisco

The 2020-2021 CAPIO board members continuing their term include:

• CAPIO President – Maurice Chaney, public information office, City of Roseville Environmental Utilities
• President-Elect, Treasurer – Erin Morales, government and public affairs supervisor, Cucamonga Valley Water District
• CAPIO Past President – Amy Williams, chief of staff, City of Sacramento
• Vice-President, Conference – Tom Christensen, communications specialist, County of San Diego
• Education and Development Chair – Christine Brainerd, APR, communications director, City of Folsom
• Social Media Chair – Christina Byrne, public outreach department manager, Orange County Transportation Authority
• Website Chair—Michelle Adams, strategic communications supervisor, Western Municipal Water District
• Regional and Membership Director, Southern California – Grace Cardenas, senior strategic communications representative, Western Municipal Water District

CAPIO’s board members are elected and serve rotating two-year terms. Each year, board members are voted on by CAPIO members throughout the state and represent the organization’s diverse membership, including board members from state organizations, special districts, school districts, cities and counties.

To learn more about CAPIO’s Board of Directors, visit CAPIO’s website.