Paul B. Clark Award: Past Winners

Monterey, Calif., – Christine Brainerd, MPA, APR, was awarded the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) 2023 Paul B. Clark Achievement Award on May 3. Brainerd was honored for her commitment to leadership and mentorship within the communications field. 

“The only surprise to hearing that Christine was receiving this award was that she hadn’t received it already,” said CAPIO 2023-2024 President Lael Wageneck. “Her contributions to CAPIO and public communications are immeasurable. While the Paul B. Clark Award is essentially a lifetime achievement award, we look forward to many more years of Christine’s leadership and commitment to the profession.”

Over the past two decades, Jenny Windle has established herself as a well-respected leader with impressive achievements in the field of public communication.  Her career has been trademarked by her warm, welcoming smile as well as her unique and creative perspectives. Her colleagues know Jenny to be humble, genuine and passionate about her work, and she’s an inspirational role model and mentor to those following in her footsteps.

Kathie Martin, marketing and public affairs officer, Town of Apple Valley Kathie Martin has invested her energy, creativity and involvement in her job, professional associations and community. Coming first from 15 years in the Parks and Recreation field, she approaches communication with a citizen-centered attitude of fun. 

Jan Gentry served many years in high-level PIO positions for two California Water districts, developing outreach programs where little or non existed. In June 2003, Jan began working in her current position as the PIO for the Sacramento Suburban Water District. With Jan’s exceptional communication skills and an aggressive outreach campaign, Sacramento Suburban Water District has garnered the reputation of one of the most well-regarded water districts in the state. Jan has been a member of CAPIO for many years now. To many of us, she is not only a colleague and mentor but also a friend.

Communications professional Gail Ortiz received the prestigious Paul B. Clark award from the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) at its recent annual conference in Sacramento. Ortiz was honored with this top award for her outstanding service to the public, her profession and the CAPIO organization. ”Gail has contributed tremendously to the profession and to CAPIO and was incredibly deserving of this award,” said CAPIO President Jenny Peterson. Ortiz has more than 30 years of experience in public relations and government communications.

Heather Morris, the director of communication for the Port of Long Beach, received the top award given by the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) at its 2008 annual conference in San Diego. She was honored for her outstanding service to the public and her profession. Morris received the Paul B. Clark Award for her exceptional leadership, professional commitment and contributions in the public information field. “Heather is an exceptional person and well deserving of this award,” said CAPIO President Jenny Peterson.

Linda Crabill Byrne currently serves as Community Relations Manager and PIO with the City of San Jose Department of Transportation. Formerly with the City Manager’s Communications Office, she transferred into the Transportation Department in 2002 to develop an innovative traffic safety education program for schools and neighborhoods called “Street Smarts.” The program addresses driver, pedestrian and bicyclist behavior in audiences of all ages.

Brad Rovanpera was the first Public Information Officer for the City of Walnut Creek, where he served for 24 years until his retirement in August 2009. He became a member of CAPIO in 1986 and served the organization in a variety of capacities, including Secretary, First Vice President and Director-At-Large/Northern California. He also designed and managed CAPIO’s first website in 1998. A native of Walnut Creek, Brad is a 1976 graduate of San Francisco State University with a degree in journalism. He was formerly a reporter/editor for the Contra Costa Sun and Contra Costa Times (1976-1985).

The California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) presented its top award of 2003 to Tom Manheim, Public Outreach Manager for the City of San José. The Paul B. Clark Award is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes outstanding contributions by one of its members in the field of public information. The award was presented to Manheim at CAPIO’s annual conference, held this year in San Diego. “Tom Manheim is being recognized for excellence in the field of public information,” stated Linda Crabill, CAPIO President.

Mike Maxfield began his local government public information career with the City of Brea in 1981. He joined the city’s media division fresh out of California State University, Fullerton with a B.A. degree in Communications. Working as an Audio/Visual Specialist, he wrote and produced more than 200 video programs for airing over the City’s government access channel.

Sheri Benninghoven, APR SAE Communications[/caption] Sheri Benninghoven brings a wealth of public affairs, corporate and high tech experience to her clients, having served in the worlds of agency, association and government public relations. She is principal of SAE Communications, a communications consultancy which helps public agencies develop communications, crisis and public involvement plans.