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CAPIO 2023 Leadership Summit
September 25 & 26
CAPIO is excited to announce that registration is now open for our inaugural Leadership Summit taking place in Lake Forest September 25 & 26!
Join us for an insightful and engaging two days geared toward public sector communicators looking to further their leadership skills. This summit is designed for both emerging leaders and seasoned professionals who desire to learn more about how to gain or keep a seat at the C-suite table, manage others and think strategically within their agency. To view the agenda and learn more by visiting the website.
What’s it take to be named Communicator of the Year?
Tune in to CAPIO Chirp's Episode 9
So what does it take to become Communicator of the Year? We find out from Wendy Aguilar with the Sacramento Fire Department, who received one of CAPIO’s highest honors at the recent conference in Monterey.
Hint: be open to crazy ideas
Find @sacramentofire on TikTok
Introducing CAPIO’s 2023-2024 Board of Directors
CAPIO is pleased to announce the 2023-2024 Board of Directors who oversee and guide the strategic direction for the association. As the state’s leading government communications association, the California Association of Public Information Officials serves our 1000-member network of public communicators through training, networking and professional development opportunities. Read on to learn more about our board members.
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District honored with 2023 Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communicator of the Year Award
Monterey, Calif., – The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District was awarded the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) 2023 Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communicator Award on Wednesday, May 3. LVMWD was honored for their dedication, perseverance, and customer-service central approach during the most critical months of the state-wide drought.
10 Reasons to Start Earning Accreditation in 2023
Chances are, if you haven’t already earned your APR, you’ve thought about what it might mean for you personally or how it could bolster your career. Maybe you’ve been thinking, “Next month will be the month!” And Now, Here. We. Are.
April is April is APR month, and CAPIO is proud to continue offering our members the internationally recognized Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). The APR is a true measure of excellence in the communications profession and the key to next-level career growth.
New and unique offerings at CAPIO 360
Monterey conference insights
In less than two months we will be seeing each other in Monterey! CAPIO 360 is your chance to reconnect with peers, learn from others and build your professional network as we convene May 1 - 4 at the Hyatt Regency, Monterey. Each year we try to incorporate some fresh new offerings in addition to perennial favorites and great educational content. Read on to learn more about the CAPIO conference happenings!
Now accepting applications for the 2025 CAPIO Young Communicator Scholarship
Deadline: March 21
Do you know an aspiring communications professional that could use some financial help? Applications are now being accepted for the CAPIO Young Communicator Scholarship. This program awards one $1,500 scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student seeking a career in government communications.
Eligible candidates must be enrolled full- or part-time at a California state college or university, or must have graduated within one year of applying for the scholarship. Candidates must be majoring in a communications-related field such as communications studies, public relations or marketing with a GPA of at least 3.0.
The CAPIO Young Communicator Scholarship was founded by long-time CAPIO member and former president Rachel Dickman, APR, and her mother, Josie Polites.
The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 21, 2025. Visit our website for more information on application requirements and to apply, or contact info@capio.org.
East Coast meets West Coast at CAPIO 2023
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and FBI's Cathy Milhoan to speak in Monterey
This just in! CAPIO is pleased to announce our two keynote speakers for the CAPIO Annual Conference: the FBI’s Cathy L. Milhoan and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.
CAPIO President kicks off membership month with a personal video message
Erin Morales, Government and Public Affairs Supervisor, Cucamonga Valley Water District
During the month of February we will be highlighting our members and having fun discussions on social media with with a chance to win prizes! Enjoy this video from CAPIO President Erin Morales as she shares a personal message to the membership about the value of CAPIO.
Watch your email and your Facebook & Instagram feeds to connect with your fellow CAPIANS and your chance to win!
So you want to start a government agency podcast?
Tune in to CAPIO Chirp's Episode 7
Did you know that podcast listening has grown by almost 30 percent in the past three years? And with that growth comes an opportunity for public agencies to better engage with their communities. But what does it take to develop a government podcast and how do you attract listeners?
In this episode of CAPIO Chirp, we talk with the City of Agoura Hills and the Cucamonga Valley Water District about what it takes to launch a successful podcast.
It’s a podcast about podcasting!
Listen now: So you want to start a government agency podcast?
CAPIO Board Welcomes Mid-Term Appointees
Board members appointed to fill vacancies
CAPIO is pleased to announce the appointment of board members assuming three positions due to mid-term shifts. While this is a rare occurrence, it can happen due to any number of things including promotions, job transitions or new responsibilities that conflict with a position. Because we will be holding an election in just four months, the Board has appointed Board members to assist in finishing out the current terms through the end of April. These positions will then be up for election.
Special Award Winners Announced during CAPIO’s EPIC Awards Gala
August 31, 2022 - San Diego
During CAPIO’s EPIC Awards Gala in San Diego last Wednesday, CAPIO honored three individuals who exemplify what it means to be top-notch government communicators – over the course of a year, during a crisis, or through a career-long dedication to the craft. We celebrate these individuals and congratulate them on their achievements. Read on to learn more about Olivia Applegate, Jennifer Carey and Jennifer Cabral.
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.
2022 Paul B. Clark Recipient
Jennifer M. Cabral, MPA
Jennifer M. Cabral has been the voice of the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) for over 20 years. She oversees the Public Affairs Office and Board Services, a joint staff of 15 people, managing marketing communications, community relations, public affairs, legislative and government affairs, branding, stakeholder relationships, event planning, media relations, and board relations for the third largest wastewater treatment facility west of the Mississippi River.
Jennifer has become the sounding board for OC San’s executive management team and has gained a seat at the decision-makers’ table. Her value to the agency is demonstrated by the trust, confidence, and respect she has earned from her staff, peers, management, and Board of Directors.
Congratulations New APRs
Brie Anne Coleman, APR and Julie Prayter, APR
Two CAPIO Members took a big step this year in their professional development and achieved their APR credentials this year: Brie Anne Coleman, APR and Julie Prayter, APR. Congratulations Brie Anne and Julie!
CAPIO is one of only nine public relations organizations to offer its members the internationally recognized Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).
The APR recognizes timeless communications principles with contemporary strategies and tactics. The process of earning your APR takes your skills to the next level by exposing you to today’s cutting-edge strategies and practices, assessing your skills to identify strengths and opportunities for growth, and demonstrating your personal and professional commitment to excellence. If you’re interested in learning more, join us at the APR informational session at the CAPIO Conference on Tuesday morning at 8:30, or if you’re not attending, learn more online.
Mentors needed for this year’s mentoring program!
The William Nash mentoring program fosters two-way learning
Make a difference this year as a mentor supporting a younger professional in the field by signing up for our mentoring program! CAPIO’s Mentoring Program was developed to help foster the growth of our members through two-way learning. In 2021 the mentoring program was renamed in honor of William Nash, longtime CAPIO member, leader and mentor. This is a great opportunity to expand your leadership skills, share your experiences and insights, and learn from the experiences of your mentee. Learn more
CAPIO matches 15 mentor/mentee pairs annually. *Mentee spots filling up quickly – sign up today!
Chef Claudia Sandoval to open CAPIO’s 2022 Conference
CAPIO Annual Conference 2022
The CAPIO conference committee is proud to introduce our opening keynote presenter at this year’s conference, Chef Claudia Sandoval!
CAPIO special recognition awards – nomincation deadline extended through July 12
Paul B. Clark, Communicator of the Year, Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Leader Awards
CAPIO is now welcoming nominations for our three individual honors. The Paul B. Clark award - recognizing s a 20+ year career of excellence in communications. The Communicator of the Year award – recognizing a recipient for a stellar year of work in 2021. And the Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Leader award - recognizing a team or an individual demonstrating exceptional leadership during a crisis. Nominations are reviewed according to a rubric under each category.
CAPIO announces the 2022-2023 Board
CAPIO is pleased to announce the 2022-2023 Board of Directors. As the state’s leading government communications association, the California Association of Public Information Officials leans on volunteer leaders to guide the association strategically to serve our 800-member network of public communicators. Read on to learn more about our board members.
What EPIC programs did you work on in 2020 or 2021?
EPIC awards program earlybird deadline is Friday, May 13
Recognizing work from 2021 and 2022
CAPIO’s EPIC Awards program recognizes and honors outstanding professional work and accomplishments in the public communications field. We continue to see government communications professionals raise the standard of excellence and creativity in our profession. Your work inspires us and we look forward to celebrating your EPIC work at the CAPIO Exellence in Public Information and Communications (EPIC) Awards events during the CAPIO Annual Conference. Read on to learn about the categories and how to apply.