Are you managing communications solo at your public agency? Navigating the complex and demanding world of public relations and communications single-handedly can be daunting. This tailor-made webinar is designed to provide you with practical tips, innovative tools and insider strategies to excel in your role.

Key Topics:

•  Efficiency Strategies: Learn how to maximize your productivity and manage time effectively when you’re the only one at the helm.
• Building a Support Network: Learn how to build a support system to accomplish your agency’s goals.
• Crisis Management: Get insights on how to handle crisis communications effectively, even with limited resources.
• Engaging Your Audience: Tips on creating compelling content and strategies to engage your audience effectively.
• Budget Management: Learn how to manage a tight budget while still achieving impactful results.

Presenters

Recorded: January, 30, 2024

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This session qualifies for an APR Continuing Education Unit

BIOS

JOHN POPE

John Pope is an award-winning communications professional with extensive public-sector experience in media relations, community outreach, marketing, writing and public speaking. 

He joined the City of Newport Beach as Public Information Manager in January, 2020. Prior to joining the Newport Beach team, he served as Public Information Officer for the City of South Pasadena, and Communications Director for Long Beach City College, where he managed public affairs, marketing and government relations for the 25,000-student campus.

Pope spent several years with the City of Long Beach Harbor Department (Port of Long Beach) where he led strategic communications efforts for more than $2.5 billion in port construction projects, including the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement and Middle Harbor terminal redevelopment project.

Throughout his career, Pope has helped government agencies respond to a variety of crises, including the COVID pandemic, air and water quality issues, public safety emergencies, protests, labor strikes, and more. In 2018 he worked with the County of Santa Barbara in the aftermath of the deadly Montecito debris flow and in 2011 assisted the City of Seal Beach after the largest mass shooting in Orange County history.

Before entering the public sector communications field, Pope was an award-winning journalist, writing for the Los Angeles Times, Long Beach Press-Telegram and other Southern California media outlets.

MARY JEREJIAN, MPA

Mary Jerejian is a Management Analyst with the City of South Pasadena’s City Manager’s Office. With over five years of public sector experience working for Los Angeles County, Los Angeles City Council, and the California State Assembly, Mary understands the importance of serving others. She plays a vital role in spearheading citywide communications efforts and contributing to the city’s economic development initiatives. Her passion lies in fostering a positive community feel in South Pasadena through meaningful engagement and effective marketing strategies. As an analyst, Mary has had the opportunity to work on various projects related to improving processes and creating new programs to bring the City’s strategic plan to fruition. These projects include a comprehensive City Commission analysis, creating an Economic Development Strategy, launching the Experience South Pasadena program, launching the City’s mobile app: SouthPas Mobile, and soliciting community input on important areas such as the City’s budget process, and most recently, leading the City’s website redesign project. She recently had the opportunity to present at the 2023 California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO) Annual Conference on highlighting communities through videos, and looks forward to continued networking and collaboration with those who share the same passion for serving others.

SAMANTHA SCROGGIN

Samantha Scroggin is the public information officer and community relations manager for the City of Lompoc, a role she has served in since 2016. Samantha manages social media for the City of Lompoc, media relations, website content, hosts a public access T.V. show called “Tune in, Lompoc” and handles other external and internal communications citywide. Samantha and her colleagues recently received a national award for Excellence in Public Power Communications from the American Public Power Association. Previously, Samantha worked in marketing and communications for Dignity Health Central Coast, and was a newspaper reporter on the public safety and courts beat. She is also a humor writer and content creator on the topic of parenting, and has been published on Parents.com and in HuffPost, among other publications.