During this CAPIO Advanced Track webinar, attendees will learn how to redefine an Agency-wide communication model, moving from a one-size-fits-all to a personalized experience. It’s driven by a client-based model, with Departments as primary clients. Establishing robust relationships between Communications staff and department individuals is crucial. Whether with a police officer, firefighter, planner, water technician, or street manager, each connection unveils unique qualities. This empowers communicators to grasp day-to-day requirements and hot topics.

 A client-based communications team prioritizes collaboration, devising precise strategies for each department. This underscores the role of dedicated staff in harmoniously customizing programs for the diverse communities we serve. It also helps ensure proactive communication before issues arise, fostering a collaborative problem-solving approach. In deeper community engagement, truly comprehending staff as our clients is pivotal.

Key Takeaways:

• Move from a one-size-fits-all model to a tailored, client-based approach, recognizing City Departments as primary clients.
• Build strong connections with various department personnel to understand unique needs and day-to-day requirements.
• Ensure proactive communication to address potential issues early, fostering a collaborative problem-solving environment.

This session qualifies for an APR Continuing Education Unit

CAPIO’s Advanced Track courses are designed for members with more than five years of experience in communications (or related field) and/or to CAPIO members who have completed CAPIO’s Certificate in Communications.

Speakers:

Recorded: July 31, 2024

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Bios

Heather Sumagaysay

Heather Sumagaysay has served as the City of Ventura’s Public Information Officer and Communication Manager since March 2020. With over 18 years of public sector experience, she is skilled at bringing teams together to create a vision that effectively strategizes how to modernize communication platforms, build community relations, enhance branding and marketing, personalize social media and civic engagement, and strengthen disaster communications. Her experience extends to government affairs, public and media relations, marketing, social media, civic engagement, and crisis management working with the cities of Santa Clarita, Beverly Hills, and the County of Ventura with the Fire Department (VCFD). Her diverse background includes positions in the City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, Fire, Transit, Water, Parks and Recreation, and Community Services. She has a master’s in strategic communications from The George Washington University in Washington D.C. and a bachelor’s in communications/marketing from San Diego State University.

Jen Buckley

Jen Buckley is a Senior Communications Specialist with City of Ventura. With over 10 years of experience engaging local communities in both the private and public sectors, she leads initiatives to foster meaningful dialogue between residents and the city, particularly focusing on the VenturaWaterPure Program. Her responsibilities include developing comprehensive community outreach strategies, managing media relations, and overseeing digital communication platforms. She has led outreach campaigns for the city’s general plan update, active transportation plan, environmental sustainability initiatives, award-winning capital improvement projects, and more. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from California State University Channel Islands and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from California State University Northridge.

Bio coming soon!