Membership Council Candidates

I am interested in joining the GSM Membership Council for the Southeast region because I have a passion for our social gov community! We are a special part of social media, and I would like to support our members in any way I can. Previously, I had the privilege of serving on the Golden Post Awards Committee, and I truly enjoyed the experience. My intention is to be a helpful guide and provide access to various resources for those in our community, and I believe that being on the council would allow me to accomplish this objective.

My responsibilities encompass managing all of our office's social media platforms, from creating and maintaining the content calendar to designing material. I oversee all of our marketing initiatives and develop informative pamphlets on various topics. As the go-to person for community events, I coordinate our participation in a variety of events throughout the year. This entails sourcing swag items, setting up our booths, and recruiting office volunteers. I  also assist with trial demonstratives as needed.

I'm really passionate about our social gov community and I want to help us all reach our goals - both on social media and beyond. I oversee all social media for a prosecutor's office, which means I've had to think creatively about what we can and can't highlight on our accounts. So whether you're a solo social media manager or part of a larger team, I'm here as a resource to help. And if I don't have the answer, I'll definitely find the right person or resource who can help. I get so excited seeing social gov accounts thrive and shine, and as a part of the GSM council I want to highlight and shout out to the world how awesome our community is!

Awards & Accolades: 

• Top Douglas County Young Professional

• Barry Wood Award

Leadership:

• New Georgia Baseball Youth Association, Secretary | 2015-now

• ATIR, Co-Chair | 2023-now

• Douglas County Young Professional, Education Chair | 2022-now

• Government Social Media, Awards Committee Member | 2022-2023

Communicators are conduits of change, and GSM is a collective of communicators who are on the forefront of social gov. Together we act as one to move the needle for our overall industry and our individual communities.

I want to serve as the Southeast representative on the GSM Membership Council to continue pushing our profession forward through collaboration, partnership, and creative ideas.

I'm passionate about growth, and I want to empower social gov pros to flourish in ways that best meet their individual needs.

If nothing else, I want you to know this--you are capable of hard things, you do hard things, and you deserve to be recognized for the hard things you make look effortless.

As Director of Public Information, I am a communications strategist, brand advocate, team builder, community pulse-checker, and storyteller for both my agency and my community.

On a daily basis, I support and guide my team through messaging challenges. We take the bland and make it more compelling, and we transform urgent or emergent into relevant and actionable.

As a department head, I often train and coach others in social media best practices, all while still serving as a hands-on content creator myself.

In the past decade, I have worked formally in social media roles, directly producing and managing content in veterans affairs, broadcast news, and County public information.

Every day, I seek to find and share the unique stories of intersections and partnerships--between people, between ideas, between communities. As a GSM Membership Council member, I'd hope to help my peers do the same.

Over the past four years, GSM has empowered me to grow as a person and a professional, pursue my passions, and continuously connect with others who do the same.

I would love nothing more than to play some part in perpetuating the beautiful symphony of social media savvy that exists within this organization. 

Whether or not I make it on the Council, I will gladly offer up every bit of my knowledge in broadcast journalism and public information to help a fellow social gov.

Awards & Accolades:

• Speaker - GSMCON 2022
• FEMA Master Public Information Officer
• FBI-LEEDA Master Public Information Officer
• Speaker - Florida Association of Public Information Officers - PIO Symposium 2023
• 2018 Social Media Award - 2nd Place - Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas

Leadership: 

• Palmetto Alliance of Public Information Officers, Board Member|2020 - current

• Coastal Alliance of Public Information Officers, Member/Chair|2018 - current

• Director of Public Information, Horry County Government|2022 - current

My passion for connecting with others is not just a personal trait, but a professional dedication I've upheld throughout my career. I have consistently sought to share my knowledge while concurrently soaking in the invaluable insights of others. I believe in the power of collaborative growth and am eager to bring that spirit, along with my expertise, to serve our region on the council. I am eager to continue my journey of learning and contributing, while advocating for the needs and interests of the southeast region. I possess a proven track record in orchestrating large-scale events, including galas and conferences. This experience equips me to contribute to GSMCON 2024.

As a Social Media Manager, I manage and oversee 36 social media accounts across various platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Nextdoor, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram. I'm responsible for content creation along with developing social media training presentations, style guides, content calendars, analytic reports, and graphic templates. By employing effective strategies, I've successfully increased the social media following for my agency by 43% and increased impressions by 166% in two years. During emergency management activation, I oversee all social media operations, and played a crucial role in managing all social media communication during a direct hit from Hurricane Ian.

I not only possess a proven record in social media management, but also a genuine desire to connect and learn from fellow professionals. My extensive experience in overseeing 36 accounts, training admins and driving impressive growth demonstrates my dedication. I'm excited to contribute my skills in campaign coordination, stakeholder collaboration and multimedia content creation to our association. By sharing insights and fostering mutual growth, I'm committed to elevating our collective expertise. Through my extensive experience presenting on social media and marketing practices, I've been a presence at various levels – regional, state, and national. Including with a social media platforms.

Awards & Accolades: 

• Nextdoor Neighborly Award from Nextdoor & GSMCON
• Master Public Information Officer through FEMA Emergency Management Institute (Recently Accepted)
• Advanced Public Information Officer through FEMA Emergency Management Institute
• National Association of Counties Achievement Awards (two awards) in Civic Education & Public Information
• 2023 Savvy Awards Finalist in the category Publications (Two products are finalists, awards not announced yet)
• Public Relations: Campaign Award from the Florida Recreation Park Association
• Two published articles in the Florida Recreation Park Association Journal

Leadership: 

• Digital Design I Advisory Board at Charlotte Technical College|April 2021-Present
• Digital Design II Advisory Board at Charlotte Technical College|April 2021-Present
• Public Relations Manager for Toastmasters District 48|July 2022-Present
• Project Chair for Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce|Sept. 2022-Present
• Board Member & Communications Chair for Fellowship of Christian Athletes|Oct. 2022-Present
• Journal Editorial Committee for the Florida Recreation Park Association|August 2023-Present

I'm looking to expand my reach with other government offices, as well as the opportunity to learn about other businesses from an insider's perspective. I've helped local offices in my area, and with doing that, I've learned along the way. We're all in this together, and I would love the opportunity collaborate more with others.

Responsible for managing daily details for the elected Seminole County Property Appraiser; performing a variety of administrative functions requiring the exercise of independent judgment, and the use of tact in dealing with public officials and the general public. Responsible for all social media content and postings.

I'm outgoing and motivated to accomplish the goals we would create as a team. I would love to reach not only the current members but find a way to extend that reach and invite others to join the GSM Family.

Awards & Accolades: 

• Most Spirited- Habitat for Humanity

• Rookie of the Year- Rotary Club of Sanford

• Leadership Seminole Alumni

• Citizens Academy Alumni

Leadership: 

• Home & School President | 2017-2022

• Executive Council for Leadership Seminole | Present

• Secretary for the Rotary Club of Sanford | Present

Due to my extensive experience since 2010, I have witnessed the evolution of the social media networks. My position was one of the first local government in Arizona to have an official job description that oversees the government social media realm.  

I want to serve my Southwest Region of the GSM Membership Council to act as a change agent in initiating and supporting change within the organization by implementing strategies to help others adapt to changes in the this professional association/work environment, and fostering creativity and innovation. 

Accomplished organizational goals through human element in strategic communication by producing a three-year communication strategy.

Oversees the digital and design architecture of public facing programs. Organizes consistency among City departments on social networking platforms by implementing and maintaining social media policies, documents, templates, and graphics, producing and posting to networks, overseeing and coordinating social media content, performing updates of the site, including graphic enhancement, content, photographs and other detailed documents and maintaining and incorporating new technology trends, features, and functions into the sites.

I feel passionate to help inspire others to positive action through a clear vision; while promoting a diverse community. I have experience in encouraging and facilitating cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fostering commitment and team spirit.

Articulating a vision, ideas and facts in a clear and organized way; effectively managing legal and policy compliance. I want to be part of helping deliver superior services to the public and internal and external recipients; including customer/client identification, expectations, needs and developing and implementing paradigms, processes and procedures that exude positive spirit and climate; demonstrating agency and personal commitment.

Accolades:

• CPC - Certified Public Communicator Program - Texas Christian University (TCU)
• Very knowledgeable and cognizant of the organizational elements as well as approaching, planning and executing decision-making approaches and processes. Continuously acts as an agent of change through being a champion for digital transformation of my organization. The CPC program provided the competency to create a communications plan that modernizes local government communications and standards

Leadership:

• Social Media Committee, Lead Member | 2012-2023

• Municipal Art Committee, Administrator | 2010-2023

I aim to serve on the GSM Membership Council to share my diverse experience in government communications—working in both large and small settings. Navigating evolving algorithms and platforms alone for over a decade, I found support and knowledge within GSM's community. Transitioning from a larger city's team to a sole communicator in a smaller one, I understand the challenges. I want to give back by sharing insights and training, assisting fellow communicators to excel, just like the GSM community has supported me through evolving digital landscapes.

As the Communications Manager for the City of Anna, I've built my department, created a strategic communication strategy, and currently oversee its execution. I manage public relations, serving as the PIO for police, fire, and city departments. My role involves social media management, content creation, video production, graphic design, and social listening. I've launched and grown Instagram and LinkedIn channels, earning national recognition for our LinkedIn presence and winning awards for social media campaigns. My multifaceted role combines strategic vision, content creation, and proactive community engagement.

My journey from serving on a team in a larger city's communications department to being a "small shop" in a smaller city provides a nuanced perspective. For more than I decade, before finding GSM, I navigated social media's evolving landscape independently, honing strategies that adapt to change. Now, I possess a deep understanding of algorithm shifts, emerging platforms, and resource constraints and how to adapt without losing your mind. I'm passionate about supporting peers, fostering growth and building community. My dedication to sharing resources, training, and insights will be an asset in empowering fellow government communicators within the association.

Awards & Accolades:

• Finalist for "Best LinkedIn Presence" in the GSM Golden Post Awards 2023
• First Place - TAMI Award (Best Internal Communications - Pop. Under 100,000) - Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) 2023
• First Place - TAMI Award (Best External Newsletter - Neighbor Notes) - TAMIO 2023
• Award of Honor (Best Marketing PSA Video - Anna Police Recruitment) - TAMIO 2023
• Award of Honor (Best Social Media Campaign - City of Anna LinkedIn) - TAMIO 2023
• Award of Honor (Best Social Media Post - K9 Miki busts Girl Scout Cookies) - TAMIO 2023
• Award of Honor (Best Small Shop) - TAMIO 2023|Gold Award (Anna Fest) - Viddy Awards 2023
• Gold Winner (Social Media – Instagram: City Of Anna Instagram Engagement) - Hermes Creative Awards 2022
• Award of Excellence (Best Small Shop 1-person Team) - TAMIO 2022

Leadership 

• TAMIO Teammate - Social Media Expert | 2018-2023

• National Information Officers Association Social Media Committee Member | 2021-2023

My GSM membership has been a must-have on my annual budget! The roundups and trainings have really helped me stay up-to-date on best practices for government social media in a world where most of the social media advice is based on sales and fear of missing out.

General communications for Hawaiʻi's state government arts agency, including social media management, newsletters, reports, blog posts and website maintenance.

Although I have been working in state government for several years, it has all been at a state arts agency. My day-to-day work includes arts education specialists, arts organizations, and cultural practitioners in addition to grants programs and the state legislature. Arts education is all about communication and creative problem-solving! I stepped in as the West Region Council Representative earlier this year when the previous representative took a job in the private sector, and I would love to continue doing so!

• GSM Membership Council Representative (West Region) | March 2023-present

I want to serve on the GSM Membership Council for a few reasons. I believe that with my formal education and past experience in digital marketing, I can offer a fresh perspective on the challenges that we face as socialgovs. I also am very fortunate to have connections with a wide range of marketing professionals that span b2c, b2b, and non-profit sectors. In addition, I love to learn, grow, and challenge myself, and think this is a great way to continue to progress as a professional in this space. Finally, I would love to give back to the GSM community for the tremendous amount of support, insight, and camaraderie that I personally have received from being a member of this organization.

In my current role, I develop, coordinate, and implement marketing strategies for the District and other brands we are a part of (Utah Water Savers, Prep60, etc.) This includes both organic and paid content creation, optimization, management, and engagement. I also help out with more formal communications and stakeholder engagement such as press releases, public speaking assignments, and board presentations.

I am a marketing and communications professional by trade, but a government communicator by choice (and I'm sure it is the same way for many of you). This line of work can be very challenging, but it can also be very rewarding. Today we are faced with constant technological advances, changes in consumer behavior, and trust in government at an all-time low.

How do we overcome these seemingly insurmountable challenges? We overcome them together. By learning from and supporting one another, challenging the status quo, and through the constant improvement of the profession as a whole.

Government social media professionals have critical messages and stories to share. Let's do this!

Accolades:

• Mark Schaefer's Personal Branding Class Certified - https://maven.com/mark-schaefer/marketing
• Mark Schaefer's Start Your Speaking Career Certified - https://maven.com/mark-schaefer/speech
• Co-author of The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever - https://a.co/d/fozwzGY 
• Golden Post Awards Finalist - Short Form Video - 2022
• Golden Post Awards Finalist - Long Form Video - 2023

Leadership: 

• Government Social Media Professional Association Membership Council - Training Committee Member | 2022-Present

• Mark Schaefer's RISE Community - Metaverse, AI, and Welcoming Committees | 2021-Present