On May 13 Sarah Krieg was awarded CAPIO’s 2026 Rising Star Award.  This award recognizes someone who demonstrates exceptional abilities, skills and talents in growing their skillset and contributing to the advancement of public engagement and outreach for a public agency in the first five years of their public communications career. 

Since joining the Town of Apple Valley in 2022 as the community’s public information officer, Sarah Krieg has redefined what municipal communications can look like in a modern, digital-first world. Bringing a professional background in commercial photography and videography, she entered public service with a rare and highly relevant skillset. What distinguishes Sarah, however, is not only her technical expertise, but her ability to translate information into measurable public impact.

In fewer than five years, Sarah has transformed the Town’s messaging from transactional and regulatory to transparent, engaging, and community-centered. Communications that once delivered information now foster connection. Under her leadership, Apple Valley’s digital presence has grown to nearly 17,000 Instagram followers and more than 25,000 Facebook followers in a community of about 75,000 residents, reflecting both strategic growth and sustained engagement.

Her work has strengthened public trust by making government more visible, accessible, and human. Through professional video production, cohesive branding, and intentional storytelling, she ensures residents not only receive information, but understand it. One of her most impactful efforts was leading the Town’s public information campaign for Measure P. Through a comprehensive video series featuring the Mayor, Sarah translated complex fiscal information into clear, accessible messaging. The measure passed with more than 64 percent voter approval, reflecting a well-informed electorate and trust in the Town’s transparency.

Sarah consistently delivers measurable engagement. Her “Little Locals BIG NEWS” summer series, which features local youth highlighting community activities, generated more than 113,000 views and significant interaction across platforms, demonstrating her ability to blend civic information with authentic storytelling.

Her creative leadership also elevated the 2024 State of the Town, transforming it into a dynamic civic experience centered on arts and culture. From student performances to locally recorded historic songs, Sarah helped celebrate community identity while informing residents. That momentum extended into initiatives like Art in the Park, further reinforcing civic pride and placemaking.

Sarah’s work has earned multiple CAPIO EPIC Awards, Awards of Distinction, STAR Awards, and even an Emmy nomination — an extraordinary achievement for a small municipal operation.

Beyond her agency, Sarah is committed to advancing the profession. She has grown from conference attendee to educator, teaching peers how to leverage video in municipal communications. Internally, she mentors staff, elevating teamwide capabilities and contributing to award-winning work.

In a short time, Sarah Krieg has expanded digital reach, strengthened public trust, and delivered meaningful community impact. Her innovation, leadership, and dedication embody the spirit of CAPIO’s Rising Star Award.