Where can a career in communications take you? Sometimes, all the way to the executive suite.

Join CAPIO’s Northern California Region for a candid virtual conversation with public-sector leaders whose careers demonstrate how communications experience can become a foundation for broader leadership.

Ask Me Anything: From Communications to Leadership brings together three Northern California professionals who have navigated high-profile issues, advised executives and elected officials, led communications teams and expanded their roles beyond traditional public information.

This informal, member-only conversation is designed to go beyond résumés and job titles. Panelists will talk about the decisions, opportunities, setbacks and lessons that shaped their careers and answer questions directly from CAPIO members.

Date: October 29
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Virtual event and free for CAPIO members

This free virtual event is presented by CAPIO’s Northern California Region and is available exclusively to CAPIO members.

Register

Meet the panelists

Alicia Trost, Chief Communications Officer, BART

Alicia leads communications for one of the Bay Area’s most visible public agencies. Her career has taken her from journalism at KTVU and work in the California State Senate to leading communications at BART, where she has helped the agency navigate major incidents, complex public issues and an evolving communications landscape.

Peggy Flynn, City Manager, City of Petaluma

Peggy’s career shows just how far a communications foundation can lead. She began in journalism and public communications before moving into community relations and executive leadership roles with organizations including the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, Santa Clara Valley Water District and City of Novato. Today, she serves as Petaluma’s city manager.

Amy Williams, Chief of Staff, City of Sacramento

Amy brings nearly two decades of communications and media experience in the public and private sectors. Her work has included high-profile projects involving Sacramento’s downtown arena, labor relations, city budgets and emergency operations. After serving in communications-focused roles, she moved into the City Manager’s Office and now oversees media and communications, governmental affairs and special projects as chief of staff.

What we’ll talk about

We’ll explore key questions public-sector communicators face as they advance, including how to move into senior roles, the skills leaders need most, building trust with executives, elected officials and the media, leading through high-profile issues, knowing when to take the next step, and lessons learned from setbacks.

Hear candid career advice and leadership lessons from professionals who have made these transitions themselves. And because it’s an Ask Me Anything, bring your questions and help shape the conversation.