Are you poised for your next career leap? Join veteran public sector leaders, communicators and recruitment pros for a candid discussion with key insights to advance your career. Bring your questions for a Q&A session with our experts, following our moderated discussion.

Key Takeaways:

• What the in-demand skills are for communicators
• What competencies do employers value most
• How to successfully prepare for an interview and stand out from the crowd
• What recruiters are looking for in applicants
• How to develop a team
• How to succeed and show value in your new role
• What C-Suite executives look for when hiring communications pros

Speakers:

Register

Date: Monday, January 27, 2025
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Cost: Free for CAPIO Members/ $30 non-members

BIOS

Ramiro Adeva

Ramiro Adeva is a public sector pro, having spent the bulk of his career working for municipalities in California. His undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering led him to his professional start in public works, however, Ramiro knew early on that his passion for community engagement and knack for public speaking would lead him on a career path more apt to City Management. In his role as Assistant City Manager for Agoura Hills, Ramiro wears many hats and oversees various functions of government that include emergency preparedness, human resources, risk management, legislative affairs, economic development, and communications. Ramiro is also the proud host of the City of Agoura Hills’ new podcast series which you can check out at www.agourahillspodcast.com, which is the latest exciting addition to Agoura Hills’ award-winning communications program.

Ramiro is a member of the California City Management Foundation, and holds a Masters degree from the University of Southern California in Public Administration.

Mary Haddad

Mary Haddad is an experienced public service professional with a background in government communications and community outreach. She began her career with the City of Los Angeles as an intern before serving as a Field Representative for the California State Assembly. She later joined the City of South Pasadena as a Management Analyst, where she oversaw the Communications Division and Economic Development efforts.

Now with the City of Agoura Hills, Mary serves as Communications Manager, focusing on enhancing public communication efforts, implementing a Crisis Communications Plan, and managing municipal websites and creative content. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, and values time with her family and friends outside of work.

Ashley Metzger

Ashley Metzger is a public agency professional with more than a dozen years of experience guiding outreach and engagement in the public sector. She has crafted communications plans, overseen website redesigns and branding projects, developed and implemented findings from community surveys, and always enjoys strategic copy writing. She started her career at a communications consulting firm that worked for public agencies and renewable energy projects and then joined a local government team where she was later appointed as Director of Public Affairs. She joined RGS to expand her work to other public agencies. Ashley has planned and executed community, tribal, stakeholder and media relations for utility-scale renewable energy projects and associations; groundwater sustainability agencies; regional collaboratives; and more. Ashley also regularly acts as a media spokesperson and has led high-profile tours and coordinated media relations for emergencies including drought, wildfire and other crises. She managed press events featuring former DOI Secretary Sally Jewell and CA Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot.

Kay Randolph-Pollard

Kay Randolph-Pollard’s leadership is shaping the future of public-sector recruitment. Since joining as a Senior Advisor in 2016, she developed RGS’s recruitment strategy and now Leads the Recruitment Services Team, where she drives innovative hiring strategies to attract top talent. By leading a skilled team of recruiters and support staff, Kay ensures RGS, its partners, and clients are equipped with tailored, efficient recruitment solutions that anticipate tomorrow’s workforce demands.  With over 25 years of HR management experience and a degree in Business Administration, Kay brings expertise and vision to every aspect of recruitment.