Steven Baird didn't set out to become a government communicator. With a journalism degree from Sacramento State, a background in professional photography, and a pool cleaning business under his belt, he landed at Las Virgenes Municipal Water District as a field operations tech—reading meters and digging out meter boxes. But when the opportunity arose to combine his photography skills with public affairs work, he made the jump to communications. Now, as Public Affairs Associate II, he manages everything from Instagram to podcasts to crisis response.

In 2022, Steven's team faced one of the toughest communications challenges imaginable: telling wealthy homeowners in Calabasas and Westlake Village - including celebrities - that the district would literally restrict their water flow if they didn't stop watering their lawns during a historic drought. The work earned his team CAPIO's Crisis Communicator of the Year Award, but it wasn't without personal cost. Steven talks openly about being the face of unpopular decisions, managing online anger, and why leaning into equity messaging - "you can't pay your way out of this drought" - was key to their success.

Connect with Steven:

• LinkedIn
• Follow Las Virgenes MWD on social media to see Steven's photography and video work
• Get involved with CAPIO (California Association of Public Information Officials)

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