Longtime CAPIO member and veteran government communications professional Ann Erdman recently passed away. She served as the city of Pasadena PIO from 1991 until her retirement in 2012. She continued to consult with local governments and non-profits until just a few years ago. She previously served as PIO for the city of Palm Springs, following a decade working for advertising and public relations firms.

Ann was just 74 and had faced a series of health challenges in recent years. During her career, she was active in CAPIO, 3CMA and PRSA. She spoke frequently at conferences and hosted numerous LA-area training programs. She was honored by CAPIO with the 2004 Paul B. Clark Award “for her 20 years of excellence in public information.” She was just the 17^th member to receive the prestigious award.

Ann will be remembered for her vivaciousness and larger-than-life personality. She was respected by reporters from throughout Southern California for always responding to media calls and telling the truth, earning the nickname, “Minister of Truthiness” by a city hall beat reporter. She could always be counted on to offer up a memorable sound bite.

“This can sound a bit trite, but Ann is one who will truly be missed by her many, many friends from the PIO profession and those in Pasadena. In an article about her passing, the comments from community leaders capture how truly special and loved she was,” said long-time friend and colleague Sheri Benninghoven. The article about Ann in “Pasadena Now” can be read here.

https://pasadenanow.com/main/former-city-public-information-officer-ann-erdman-has-died

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