Misinformation can spread quickly, undermining public trust and complicating crisis response. This moderated webinar will equip public information professionals with practical tools and insights to counter false narratives, foster transparency, and strengthen community relationships. Whether navigating a crisis, talking to the media or managing day-to-day communications, this session will provide actionable takeaways to enhance your approach.

Key Takeaways:

• Crisis Communication: Learn how to address misinformation during emergencies, such as clarifying misconceptions about water agencies’ roles during emergency incidents.
• Social Media & Community Platforms: Discover best practices for responding to misinformation on platforms like Nextdoor and other social media channels, including how to engage constructively with audiences.
• Effective Communication Strategies: Explore proven tactics for clear, impactful messaging—what works, what doesn’t, and how to build trust with your community.

Speakers 

Date: July 15, 2025 
Time: 11 am to 12 p.m.

Cost: $30 CAPIO members/Free for professional+/$45 non-members

Register

Bios

Charlotte Lopez Holifield, MPP

As Manager of the External Affairs Department, Charlotte Holifield serves as the District’s Public Information Officer, engaging with media outlets and the public about Calleguas’s programs, events, and policies, as well as managing the district’s legislative program, including analyzing legislation and serving as the District’s liaison to local, state, and federal policymakers.

Charlotte joined Calleguas as a Management Analyst in August 2023 after serving as the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) Public Affairs Field Coordinator for the Central and South Coasts. In that capacity, she worked with more than 100-member special districts to engage them in CSDA legislative advocacy efforts and provide information about CSDA events and programs. In 2022, she earned the Santa Barbara CSDA chapter Chairman’s Appreciation Award for her outstanding accomplishments and service to the organization.

Prior to her tenure at CSDA, Charlotte worked at Ventura County water retailer Camrosa Water District, where she initiated a legislative program and led outreach efforts to customers and elected officials. Earlier in her career, she served as the Senior Governmental Relations Representative at the San Diego County Water Authority, monitoring legislative issues and engaging with local, state, and federal elected officials.

Charlotte has broad experience working for a variety of elected officials, including establishing and running the field office of a United States Senator and as an aide to two State Senators, including a fellowship at the California State Capitol.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in public policy from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo.

Jennifer Guess Mayo

Jennifer Guess Mayo has more than 23 years of experience in the energy, water, and sustainability sector, specializing in public relations and organizational leadership. She joined PWP in 2014 and currently heads the External Affairs Division, which is responsible for the department’s marketing communication, state and federal legislative/regulatory advocacy, residential and commercial energy efficiency programs, transportation electrification programs, water awareness and outreach,  low-income assistance programs, news media relations, key account customer engagement, social media, web development, special events, and in-classroom water and energy educational programs.

Prior to her tenure with PWP, she worked for the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, Los Angeles Water and Power Community Credit Union, and ICF International.  She obtained her undergraduate degree in communication, with a public relations emphasis from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and holds a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge. Additionally, she is a long-time Pasadena resident, and earned her public leadership credential from Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Mike Wade

Mike Wade joined the California Farm Water Coalition, a statewide nonprofit organization headquartered in Sacramento, as executive director in 1998. He oversees the organization’s public education and media relations efforts and serves as contact for California’s irrigated agriculture industry.

Primary activities of the Farm Water Coalition include education and outreach to urban consumers, the media and government officials with fact-based information on farm water use. Efforts include paid and earned media, educational booklets, posters and school curriculum.

From 2001 through 2013 Mike also served concurrently as the Executive Director of the Agricultural Water Management Council, an organization set up to assist agricultural irrigation and water districts with efficient water management planning.

Prior to joining the Coalition and AWMC, Mike served 11 years as the executive director of the Merced County Farm Bureau and for five years as the executive director of the California Christmas Tree Association. During that time, he represented agricultural interests at the county, state and national levels on land use; air quality; labor and marketing.

Mike serves on the board of the California Farmland Trust and is a member of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Communications Committee. His background includes a former partnership in a family-owned almond farming business. His interests include vintage cars, aviation, and travel with his wife and family.

Michael McNutt

Mike joined LVMWD in 2017 as the Public Affairs and Communications Manager after spending time at Palmdale Water District and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, immersing himself in California water and its unique complexities. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Mike received degrees in Environmental Science and Communications from The Ohio State University, where he remains active in the College of Environmental Science Alumni Group. Embarking on a career in public service post-graduation, he worked for various community organizations, elected officials and government agencies throughout Ohio, gaining valuable experience in emergency communications, public health outreach and community services. At LVMWD Mike has used these experiences to respond to emergencies such as the 2018 Woolsey Fire, COVID-19 pandemic and generational drought while developing both internal and external communication strategies rooted in a commitment to transparency, equity, innovation and an ethos of community first. Mike serves the LVMWD on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, serves the community as the Chair of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, serves the water industry as the Chair of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies Communication Committee and a member on their Program Committee, and he serves animals as a proud owner of a rescued greyhound named Wendell and supporter of SaveGrey.org.

This webinar is brought to you in partnership with ACWA.