As cyberattacks grow in sophistication and frequency, leaders, communicators, and IT professionals within public agencies must be well-prepared. Join CAPIO for a compelling session where we dissect the anatomy of a cyber threat and explore the pivotal role of strategic communication in crisis management.

This webinar will provide public-sector communicators with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their operations, maintain public trust, and effectively navigate the aftermath of digital disruptions.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how public agencies are vulnerable when cyber systems fail, exploring real-world implications from service disruptions to data breaches.
• Discover strategies and best practices for internal and external communication that can mitigate damage and maintain public trust when systems are compromised.
• Hear how the City of Long Beach responded to a cyber attack that took down the City’s systems for two weeks.

Speakers:

Recorded: December 3, 2024

Register

This session is good for:
APR Continuing Education Unit

BIOS

Greg Gatzke

Greg Gatzke is the Chairman and CEO of ZAG Technical Services, an award-winning IT consulting firm and managed services provider based in San Jose, Calif, Salinas, Calif, and Boise, Idaho. As CEO, Gatzke is responsible for guiding operations in line with the organization’s broader vision of building a future where technology is a competitive advantage.

Gatzke founded ZAG 25 years ago, calling on his extensive experience with the aerospace manufacturing corporation and defense contractor McDonald Douglas and as a consultant with the Network Technology Group. Gatzke has an MBA from Pepperdine University.

ZAG consults with organizations to provide high-end architecture in areas such as cloud computing, security, data and software services, and a full breadth of managed services.

Kevin Lee

Kevin Lee is the Chief Communications Officer for the City of Long Beach, overseeing communications for the seventh largest city in California. He is a member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team, along with the City Manager, Assistant City Manager and Deputy City Managers. He is responsible for advising City Management and Department Directors on public and press engagement, crisis and emergency communications strategy, and internal communications. He also works closely with the Office of the Mayor and nine City Councilmembers on a number of PR initiatives. He and his team provide strategy, policy, guidance and training to over 15 City departments, and directly oversee the City’s primary social media pages, visual brand, media relations program and multi-departmental communications efforts. Kevin serves as Lead Public Information Officer for the City during times of emergency and has activated seven Joint Information Centers related to various emergencies over the last four years. Kevin has been in the Communications field for 20 years, leading campaigns and PR efforts for public sector organizations as well as global brands.

In order to attempt to practice self-care, when Kevin isn’t working, he heads into the mountains as much as possible, preferably where there is no cell service. Most importantly, Kevin is married to an extraordinary woman, has three amazing kids and a zoo of two smelly dogs, one cat, six fish and two snails.

Scott Summerfield

Scott is a principal of SAE Communications. SAE has provided communications counsel, media relations, and Joint Information Center management for many of California’s most challenging recent crises, including the 2023 winter storms, 2020 Coronavirus response, 2019 Conception dive boat tragedy, 2018 Montecito mudslide, 2017 Thomas fire, 2016 Sherpa fire, 2015 Refugio Beach oil spill, 2014 Isla Vista shootings, 2011 Seal Beach massacre, and numerous crises of confidence. SAE was recently part of a team examining the 2015 San Bernardino County terrorist attack response and recovery. Scott also advises on emerging issues such as cyberattacks, Public Records Act, and First Amendment videography.

Scott’s work includes strategic communications, key message development/training, and crisis communications for a wide range of organizations including Port of Long Beach, California State Lottery, League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, City of San Francisco, City of San Jose, City of Palo Alto, City of Santa Clara, City of Beverly Hills, City of Carlsbad, Fairfield Police Department, Bechtel Corporation, Calpine Corporation, Intel Corporation, and many others. SAE’s educational clients include University of California – Davis, San Jose State University, Long Beach City College, Santa Barbara City College, and several local school districts.

Scott is a Dean of Instruction at the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI), past president and lifetime member of the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO), CAPIO Paul Clark Award winner in recognition of outstanding service, grants chair of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, past executive board member of the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA), past board member of the Bay Area Cable Excellence Awards, and guest lecturer at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Communication. Scott is a graduate of the Telecommunications and Film program at San Diego State University and is a member of its Alumni Association Board of Advisors.