Rising Star Award

Overview

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star award will be presented to the individual who, in the judgment of the CAPIO Awards Committee and Board of Directors, 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.

Nomination Information

The CAPIO Board of Directors is soliciting nominations from members and non-members. You do not need to be a member to nominate an individual for this award.  However, the nominee must be a CAPIO member.  Self-nominations are accepted. 

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

How to Nominate

All entries and supporting documents must be submitted electronically to CAPIO via our online entry form.

Nominations should include a written narrative no longer than two pages in length. Supporting documents that reinforce the written narrative and demonstrate the candidate’s achievements are recommended.

The individual being nominated for the Rising Star award must be a CAPIO member. In nominating a person for the award, a nominator should review the Rising Star scoring rubric and might consider:

  • The nominee’s ability to quickly make an impact by providing key support on special projects
  • The nominee’s exceptional effectiveness in communications and public engagement in the first five years of employment in government communications
  • The nominee’s ability to provide insightful recommendations and ideas that are implemented
  • The nominee demonstrated dedication to growing professionally and continuing to grow their skillset and education in the field of public communications

When submitting your nomination, you may share outcome information used such as a function chart, graphics, images or links to briefings, etc. You may also provide quotes or support from colleagues, supervisors, elected officials, residents, etc. To submit supplemental information for the nomination, you may attach it to the nomination form or email it to info@capio.org.  

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Recipient Selection

The final selection will be made by the Board or appointed selection committee prior to the Annual Conference each year.

Award Honors

The award will be presented to the selected recipient during the CAPIO Annual Conference during the Special Awards Dinner. In addition, CAPIO will send a news release and supporting photograph(s) to the award winner’s employer and to local media following the announcement.

Deadline & Contact

The deadline to submit a nomination is February 27, 2026.  If you have questions, call us at 1-844-CAPIO55 or email  info@capio.org.  

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Sarah Krieg Named CAPIO’s 2026 Rising Star

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.

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Riverside County’s Jayli Barkley Named CAPIO’s Rising Star for 2025

Jayli Barkley, Principal Information Specialist for the Riverside County District Attorney’s (DA) Office, has been chosen to receive the California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO) second ever Rising Star award. This distinction honors an individual who has utilized the first five years of their career to showcase exceptional abilities, growth, and determination in advancing public engagement and outreach for their agency. In her last 3 years with the District Attorney’s office, Jayli has proven with her exceptional work and skillset to embody the CAPIO definition of a Rising Star.

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Fresno County’s Joshua Dean Receives Inaugural CAPIO Rising Star Award

The California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO) has awarded the first Rising Star award to Joshua Dean from the County of Fresno. The Rising Star Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional abilities, skills, and talents in growing their skillset in the pursuit of advancing public engagement and outreach for a public agency within the first five years of their career. During Joshua’s first year and a half at the County of Fresno, he has exemplified strong communicator qualities.