Digital Advertising for Public Agencies: What You Need to Know
Digital advertising is one of the most requested skills among public-sector communicators, and one of the least understood. From programmatic display to social media to YouTube, the digital landscape offers a range of options that can be powerful tools for public engagement. But with so many platforms, vendors, and varying price points, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to evaluate what you’re getting.
This practical webinar is designed for public agency communicators at all levels. Presenters from CENTRIC will walk through digital advertising in plain language, share real-world case studies from public agency clients of varying sizes, and equip attendees with the knowledge to make confident, informed decisions, whether working in-house or with an outside vendor.
What Attendees Will Learn:
- An overview of the digital advertising, including programmatic, social, and video channels
- How to identify the right platforms and strategies for your agency’s audience and goals
- Real-world case studies from public agencies, including large cities and small special districts, showing what’s possible at different budget levels
- Key performance indicators (KPIs) to understand and track when running digital campaigns
- Practical guidance for working with vendors so you know what to ask and what to watch out for
- How to get started, even on a limited budget
Attendees will also receive a helpful leave-behind resource summarizing digital advertising channels, their benefits, best use cases, and key KPIs, a practical reference to consult as you plan future campaigns.
Speakers:
Date: June 4, 2026
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $30 CAPIO members/ Free for Professional+/$45 non-members
This session is good for:APR Continuing Education Unit
Speaker Bios
Jared Smith
Jared joined CENTRIC in January of 2023 as the Multimedia Coordinator. He’s assisting the media team on traditional media and managing digital campaigns. Jared was born and raised in San Diego and graduated from San Diego State University (SDSU) with a bachelor’s degree (BA) in Communications.
Jared’s strengths come from his sales and managing experience with national accounts such as Cox Communications, JP Morgan Chase, and the California Milk Advisory Board. He is an excellent writer and communicator, organized, excels in time management, and is a quick learner.
He is experienced in traditional and digital media best practices and trends and is currently working on earning digital certifications in multiple platforms.
Stephen Marsh
Stephen Marsh is Vice President of National Partnerships at Centric Marketing, where he leads strategic client development and integrated media solutions that help brands and public agencies achieve measurable awareness, engagement, and performance outcomes. With nearly two decades of experience in media sales and large-scale campaign execution, Stephen specializes in building multi-market, high-impact advertising programs across out-of-home, airport, transit, and integrated digital media channels.
In the public agency and government sector, Stephen has extensive experience supporting mission-driven campaigns for organizations including the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments), San Jose Clean Energy, the Orange County Health Care Agency, the County of San Diego, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), and the North County Transit District (NCTD). His work in these markets has included large-scale public awareness initiatives, transportation and mobility messaging, clean energy education, and community health outreach across Southern and Northern California.
Stephen has also worked extensively with healthcare clients, including UCSD Healthcare, where he negotiated a multi-year branding campaign in San Diego utilizing the iconic San Diego Coaster. He also played a key role in a 10-year partnership with Emerus Healthcare, assisting with new market launches in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee. Additionally, Stephen helped MedStar Health launch campaigns throughout Baltimore and Washington, D.C., highlighting MedStar’s specialty care in heart and vascular health, as well as its top-tier cancer care along the East Coast.
Stephen has executed hundreds of campaigns nationwide for leading brands including Vail Resorts, MillerCoors, Outback Steakhouse, Burger King, and Jersey Mike’s, as well as international initiatives across Australia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. His expertise spans education, healthcare, and public-sector communications, with a strong focus on translating complex messaging into clear, accessible public engagement campaigns.
In addition to commercial work, Stephen has extensive experience supporting public agencies and government organizations across California and beyond, delivering high-impact communications programs designed to inform, educate, and mobilize communities.
Oshi Jauco
[Bio coming soon]



