Jennifer Nance, Communications Manager and Public Information Officer for the City of Ventura, is proud to be recognized as the recipient of the CAPIO 2025 Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Leader of the Year Award for her exemplary efforts during the Pierpont Gasoline Leak incident in September 2024.

“Crisis communication is an art and science, and Jennifer’s proactive engagement during a critical moment showed her mastery of both,” said CAPIO President Tom Christensen. “Her dedication to clear, timely, and transparent communication exemplifies the standards we strive for in our profession. Jennifer’s exemplary work not only informed her community but also fostered trust amidst uncertainty.”

When dangerous hydrocarbon vapors permeated the Pierpont neighborhood, Nance swiftly activated a comprehensive communication strategy, ensuring that vital information reached nearly 5,000 residents. By collaborating with emergency management partners and organizing transparent press conferences, she effectively transformed complex information into clear guidance, empowering residents to make informed decisions.

During the incident, the City’s official social media channels drove an impressive 54% of all online conversations related to the crisis, resulting in nearly 8,000 direct interactions with the public. This large-scale incident garnered national media attention, reaching over 585 million people and amplifying the need for effective communication.

Jennifer’s innovative approach included the creation of a centralized information hub at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/EmergencyAlert, where residents could easily access updates and resources. In a remarkable display of commitment, she continued her outreach long after the immediate threat subsided, providing monthly updates to the Pierpont Bay Community Council to ensure residents remain well-informed during the recovery phase.

Her ability to mobilize community resources and engage with diverse stakeholders has truly set the bar for our field, showcasing the impact of well-executed public information strategies. Jennifer Nance’s dedication to excellence in crisis communication not only ensured the safety of her community but also exemplified the high standards we aspire to as communications professionals. Her efforts during the Pierpont Gasoline Leak incident serve as an outstanding example of best practices in public information management, inspiring us all to elevate our communications in times of crisis.

ABOUT CAPIO

CAPIO is the premier professional association for California’s government communicators, serving more than 1,000 professionals across the state.

Established in 2017, the Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Leader Award recognizes a Public Information Professional (or Team) who demonstrated extraordinary success in leading a team during a natural disaster, an act of terrorism, or a reputational crisis.

For more information about the Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Leader Award or the California Association of Public Information Officials, please visit www.capio.org