Communicator of the Year Award: Past Winners
Kevin Strauss awarded the 2024 Communicator of the Year Award at CAPIO’s EPIC Awards Dinner
The California Association of Public Information Officials recognized Kevin Strauss, Communications Manager for the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCV Water) with one of CAPIO’s highest honors – the 2024 Communicator of the Year – during the 2024 awards dinner on May 14 in Indian Wells.
Kevin has quickly become an influential leader in the communications industry. Kevin has supercharged his communications efforts, which have gained recognition from both his colleagues and the community.
Wendy Aguilar receives CAPIO’s 2023 Communicator of the Year Award
“The incredible work Wendy has done and her commitment to public sector communications made her stand out,” said CAPIO President Lael Wageneck. “Wendy was chosen to receive this special recognition for her expertise in digital communications and the exceptional work she has done in active outreach to her community, as well as her thoughtful commitment to her colleagues.”
2022 Communicator of the Year Award Recipient
Olivia Applegate
Honored for her exceptional leadership and excellence in strategic communications, Olivia has raised the bar in public communications.
Most recently, Olivia has transformed the San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association’s communications program that serves over 44,000 members and 16 employers throughout California.
With great drive and vision, Olivia led SBCERA through an organizational rebrand, website redesign, member engagement survey designed to help drive member experience efforts, and an employer survey designed to establish mutual priorities and help build consensus on strategic initiatives, electronic newsletter campaigns, and others. Olivia also led her team through an ambitious strategic communications plan, which has served as a guide to define, shape, and communicate SBCERA’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
2021 Communicator of the Year Award Recipient
Thomas Christensen
Honored for his commitment and excellence in communications, the County of San Diego’s Communication Specialist, Tom Christensen, has made it his top priority to build social media campaigns that educate, inspire, and create change throughout the County of San Diego. Tom oversees more than 100 individual County department social media accounts as an administrator or content creator. His leadership has resulted in the County obtaining some of the highest follower counts for counties in the nation as well as some of the highest engagement numbers.
2020 Communicator of the Year Award Recipient
Tiffany Baca
Tiffany Baca was awarded the 2020 Communicator of the Year Award on July 13, 2020. With an impressive collection of 20 statements of support included in her award nomination, colleagues expressed high admiration for her work ethic, talents, and character, making her a shining example of what a superstar communications professional embodies.
2019 Communicator of the Year Award Recipient
Angela Lowrey
Newport Beach, Calif. – Angela Lowrey was named by the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) as the state’s Communicator of the Year for 2019, recognizing her dedication to clean water education and resource recovery outreach, her overall expertise in the communications field and for her award-winning creativity in her work. She was presented with the Communicator of the Year Award at CAPIO’s annual conference in Newport Beach on April 10, 2019.
2018 Communicator of the Year Award Winner – Tanya Castaneda, APR
Public Information Officer, Port of San Diego
Santa Rosa, Calif.- Tanya Castaneda, an accredited public relations professional with more than 20 years in the media and communications industry, was named by California Associations Public Information Officials (CAPIO) as the state’s Communicator of the Year for 2018, recognizing her expertise and ingenuity in her work. She was presented with the award at CAPIO’s annual conference on April.
2017 Communicator of the Year Award Winner – Francie Palmer
Communications Manager, City of Rancho Cucamonga
Francie Palmer continually makes a lasting and transformative impact as the Communications Manager for the City of Rancho Cucamonga, where she implements a variety of inspirational and innovative programs year-round. She has built a strong foundation on the value and critical need for unified, transparent communications with the news media, social engagement forums, constituent groups and community outreach efforts.
2016 Communicator of the Year Award Winner – Rachel McGuire
Rachel McGuire exemplifies the best attributes of public service through her commitment to excellence in strategic communications, customer service, transparency, responsiveness and accountability.
2015 Communicator of the Year Award Winner – Kristeen Farlow
Communications and Outreach Manager, Cucamonga Valley Water District
Kristeen Farlow has set a precedent with her specialization in crisis communication and communications strategies. In addition to a bachelor’s and master’s degree, she holds a California Specialized Training Institute Crisis Communications Certificate and completed CAPIO’s PIO Institute in 2014.
2014 Communicator of the Year Award Winner – Valerie Kushnerov
Public Information Officer, City of Goleta
Valerie Kushnerov plays an instrumental role in the City of Goleta’s public engagement and outreach efforts. Through her initiative and strategic decisions, Valerie used technology to achieve remarkable advancements in social media and online communication services, held numerous public engagement events, and established an overall media and outreach strategy that has increased awareness and outreach.