New to the field of public-sector communications? Whether you’ve recently started your career, transitioned from a different profession or just need a refresher, this full-day workshop is for you! During this boot camp, you’ll learn core strategies, tools and techniques to level-up your communications skills.

Key takeaways from this webinar include information on:

• Thriving in today’s media environment
• Developing key messages for important agency issues and programs
• Preparing for in-person and virtual on-camera interviews
• Creating a Writing and Brand Style Guide to cohesively share your organization’s story
• Channeling your inner journalist to write for maximum engagement
• Crafting impactful news releases and content that resonates across multiple mediums, including print, digital and video
• Understanding and using Federal Plain Language Standards, AP Style and more

Speakers:

Date: July 30, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. registration opens
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: CalFire Natomas Training Center
2860 Gateway Oaks Dr

Parking for CAPIO attendees is free.

Lunch and light refreshments are included.

Cost: $95 – CAPIO Members/$160 – Non Members

Register

BIOS

Scott Summerfield

Scott is a principal of SAE Communications. SAE has provided communications counsel, media relations, and Joint Information Center management for many of California’s most challenging recent crises, including the 2023 winter storms, 2020 Coronavirus response, 2019 Conception dive boat tragedy, 2018 Montecito mudslide, 2017 Thomas fire, 2016 Sherpa fire, 2015 Refugio Beach oil spill, 2014 Isla Vista shootings, 2011 Seal Beach massacre, and numerous crises of confidence. SAE was recently part of a team examining the 2015 San Bernardino County terrorist attack response and recovery. Scott also advises on emerging issues such as cyberattacks, Public Records Act, and First Amendment videography.

Scott’s work includes strategic communications, key message development/training, and crisis communications for a wide range of organizations including Port of Long Beach, California State Lottery, League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, City of San Francisco, City of San Jose, City of Palo Alto, City of Santa Clara, City of Beverly Hills, City of Carlsbad, Fairfield Police Department, Bechtel Corporation, Calpine Corporation, Intel Corporation, and many others. SAE’s educational clients include University of California – Davis, San Jose State University, Long Beach City College, Santa Barbara City College, and several local school districts.

Scott is a Dean of Instruction at the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI), past president and lifetime member of the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO), CAPIO Paul Clark Award winner in recognition of outstanding service, grants chair of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, past executive board member of the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA), past board member of the Bay Area Cable Excellence Awards, and guest lecturer at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Communication. Scott is a graduate of the Telecommunications and Film program at San Diego State University and is a member of its Alumni Association Board of Advisors.

DeDe Cordell

DeDe Cordell has been the communications manager for Yuba Water Agency since 2017. Her prior government experience includes work for Placer County, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Army. She began her career as a broadcast news anchor and reporter in both television and radio. She continues to flex those muscles via her side-venture as a voice-actor for commercials, documentaries, corporate videos and more.

DeDe has a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from CSU Sacramento (stingers up!), and a Master of Science in Management, Public Relations from University of Maryland Global Campus. She is also a very proud Rotarian, and currently the president of her Rotary club.

Maria Kniestedt

Maria Chacon Kniestedt is the Communications & Public Affairs Director for the City of Rancho Cordova. In this role, Maria oversees communications, legislation and community engagement for the city. She also serves as the Inclusion Leader for the organization.

Maria brings over 25 years of experience as a communications professional. Early in her career, she served as a spokesperson for the California Department of Consumer Affairs. More recently, Maria worked for 14 years at FleishmanHillard as a Senior Vice President, working with Fortune 500 clients and specializing in media relations and strategic communications planning.

Maria earned both a B.A. and M.A. in English from Sac State, as well as a certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from Cornell University. In addition, she has taught writing classes at Sacramento City College, Sac State and PIMA Medical Institute, as well as Public Relations at Webster University.

She won a Silver Anvil for public education campaign work and has served as a Board Member for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, California Capital Airshow and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She has been an Official Member of the Forbes Communications Council.