Dear CAPIO community,

As we approach the end of the year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible accomplishments I’ve watched our members achieve. You face challenges that test your response, your creativity, your patience, and your capacity to adapt—and somehow you continue to rise to the moment with professionalism, heart, and a willingness to keep showing up.

For public sector communicators, no two days ever look the same. We’re balancing planning for the future with real-time response, supporting teams, guiding leadership, and humanizing the work our agencies do. And yes—sometimes navigating trolls who test both our professionalism and our sense of humor.

This year, I’ve been so inspired by how many of you stepped out of your comfort zones for growth, found opportunities to collaborate in new ways, and leaned into storytelling to humanize your agencies. You asked the important questions—Why does this matter? Why should people care? When we take the time to reconnect with our own “why,” we communicate more naturally and relate more authentically. And we remember that our work isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about creating space for connection with the people we serve and finding deeper fulfillment in what we do.

The holidays naturally give us a moment to pause, and I hope you take it. As communicators, we spend so much time helping others understand how our agencies support essential community needs and the value our agencies and teams bring. Take a moment this season to recognize the value you bring as well. Ask yourself:

• What are you proud of this year—not just in outcomes, but in how you showed up?
• What part of the process did you find joy in, even when the work was hard?
• And what can you start today that your future self will thank you for a year from now?

To our volunteers, committee members, mentors, speakers, and Board of Directors: your service shapes CAPIO into the rich resource it is. To our association manager, Amy Orr, and her team—you are the heartbeat of this organization. And to every member who wrote a post, calmed a crisis, clarified a complex issue, or supported another department this year—you make a difference. Truly.

I hope the coming weeks give you time to rest, reconnect, and renew your energy for the year ahead. I’m grateful for this community and honored to lead alongside you.

Wishing you a warm and restorative holiday season,

Brie Coleman, APR
2025-2026 CAPIO President
Communications Manager
Placer County Water Agency

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