Are you poised for your next career leap? Join veteran public sector leaders, communicators and recruitment pros for a candid discussion with key insights to advance your career. Bring your questions for a Q&A session with our experts, following our moderated discussion.

Key Takeaways

• What are the in-demand skills for communicators
• What competencies do employers value most
• How to successfully prepare for an interview and stand out from the crowd
• What recruiters are looking for in applicants
• How to develop a team 
• How to network for success
• How to succeed and show value in your new role
• What C-Suite executives look for when hiring communications pros

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Free for CAPIO members/$30 non-members

Register

Speakers:

Mary Elise Conzelmann
Principal Public Affairs Analyst
Citrus Heights Water District

Ashley Metzger, MA
Senior Advisor
Regional Government Services Authority

Kay Randolph-Pollard
Senior Advisor – HR Recruitment Services Lead
Regional Government Services Authority

Kathryn Tunney
Human Resource Analyst
City of Walnut Creek

BIOS

Mary Elise Conzelmann, Citrus Heights Water District Public Affairs Manager

Mary Elise Conzelmann brings a passion and versatile skill set to her work in communications and public engagement. With a career focused on local government, she has led award-winning projects and programs for a wide range of agencies, including water and wastewater utilities, cities, counties, special districts, and ports. Her work has been recognized at both the state and national levels for innovation and effectiveness.

In her current role, she leads Citrus Heights Water District’s public affairs program, which includes communications, community engagement, legislative and regulatory affairs, non-ratepayer funding, water efficiency, and strategic initiatives. She has played a key role in establishing the District’s public affairs program and expanding the team by adding two public affairs professionals to advance organizational goals.

Mary Elise has a Bachelor’s in Recreation Administration from Humboldt State University and a Master’s in Business Management from Saint Mary’s College of California.

Ashley Metzger, Chief Growth Officer, Regional Government Services

Ashley Metzger is a public agency professional with more than a dozen years of experience in outreach. Ashley is the Chief Growth Officer for Regional Government Services, a remote public agency. In her role, she oversees contracts with the 11 public agencies that RGS administers, oversees miscellaneous consulting services, and supports business development and strategy.  She previously served as the Director of Public Affairs and Water Planning for a SoCal water agency. She also worked with numerous public agencies and renewable energy clients for a private consulting firm. Her alma maters are University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa (MA – Politics) and the University of Redlands (BA – Government).

Kay Randolph-Pollard

Kay Randolph-Pollard’s leadership is shaping the future of public-sector recruitment. Since joining as a Senior Advisor in 2016, she developed RGS’s recruitment strategy and now leads the Recruitment Services Team, where she drives innovative hiring strategies to attract top talent. By leading a skilled team of recruiters and support staff, Kay ensures RGS, its partners, and clients are equipped with tailored, efficient recruitment solutions that anticipate tomorrow’s workforce demands.  With over 25 years of HR management experience and a degree in Business Administration, Kay brings expertise and vision to every aspect of recruitment.

Kathryn M. Tunney (headshot coming soon)

Bio coming soon!