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Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Erin Stillwagon, the Public Information Officer for the Garden City Fire Department. Erin shares her unexpected journey into the role of PIO, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, especially with children, to foster a positive relationship between the fire department and the public. She discusses the strategies used in social media to communicate effectively, without highlighting tragedies, instead focusing on education and outreach. Erin also touches on the significance of crisis communication, the use of technology and AI in her work, and the value of building a supportive network within the PIO community. The conversation concludes with personal insights and rapid-fire questions, highlighting Erin's optimistic outlook on life and her commitment to helping others.

Erin's BIO - Erin Stillwagon is the Public Information Officer for the Garden City Fire Department located in Garden City, Kansas. Erin Stillwagon has always been driven by a deep desire to help others, which is reflected in her work with the Garden City Fire Department. In her role, Erin combines her skills in project management, public relations, and leadership to support the department’s mission and engage with the community. She takes pride in creating meaningful connections, whether coordinating public safety initiatives, crafting effective communications, or collaborating with her team to enhance daily operations.

 A lifelong resident of Garden City, Erin is passionate about giving back to the community that shaped her, and she approaches every task with care, dedication, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. Known for her critical thinking and leadership, Erin has successfully enhanced departmental operations through innovative problem-solving and streamlined processes. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to helping others define her approach to both her career and public service.

 Erin is actively involved with several professional organizations, including the National Information Officers Association (NIOA), Kansas Association of Public Information Officers (KAPIO), and Kansas Women Leading Government. She holds the Advanced Public Information Officer credential from FEMA's Emergency Management Institute and played a pivotal role in bringing the first inaugural 620 Day to life, a celebration that highlights the unique spirit and community of the 620 area code.

 A longtime Kansas State University football fanatic, Erin is equally passionate about her family’s bucket list goal to watch a game at every MLB stadium. True to her personality, she will always choose a dog over a human, reflecting her love for animals and her lighthearted approach to life.

To contact Erin via her LinkedIn

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Summary: In this episode, Tiffany Muehlbauer, CEO of ARMA Communications, discusses the importance of proactive communication strategies for public sector organizations. She introduces the Pool Theory, which emphasizes the need for consistent community engagement to build trust and visibility before a crisis occurs. Tiffany provides practical advice for Public Information Officers (PIOs) on shifting from reactive to proactive communication, building relationships with skeptical communities, and utilizing storytelling to resonate with the public. She also highlights common mistakes in communication and offers actionable steps for improving visibility and trust.

Tiffany's BIO

Tiffany Muehlbauer is the founder and CEO of Arma Communications, a boutique corporate communications agency that helps businesses communicate with clarity, confidence, and authority.

With over two decades of marketing experience across both public and privately held companies, Tiffany specializes in building brand momentum and proactive visibility through integrated communications strategies.

She is a firm believer that in today’s fast-moving landscape, brands that wait for a crisis to speak up are already too late. Tiffany champions the philosophy that visibility is stability—and she leads by example.

At the core of her approach is The Pool Theory of Brand Visibility. Tiffany teaches that in a still pool, even a small pebble can create disruptive ripples. But in a pool full of movement—people, floaties, and energy—even a large stone barely makes a splash. The same is true for brands: when you’re already in motion, a PR challenge becomes a ripple, not a wave.

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Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Drew Anderson, the Public Information Officer for the Bellevue Police Department, shares his unique journey from political operative to PIO. He discusses the importance of community engagement in a diverse city like Bellevue, the challenges faced during crisis communications, and the strategies employed to effectively communicate with the public. Drew emphasizes the significance of preparation, media training for law enforcement, and adapting to trends in public communications. He offers valuable advice for new PIOs and reflects on the key aspects of his role in maintaining transparency and trust within the community.

Drew's LinkedIn

Drew's X Account

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In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Matthew Oleniuk, a risk strategist, about the complexities of project management in the public sector. Matthew shares his extensive background in risk and audit, highlighting the challenges faced by public sector projects, particularly the infamous Phoenix project. The conversation explores the significance of communication, the role of Public Information Officers (PIOs), and the necessity of proactive leadership in mitigating risks and ensuring project success. Matthew emphasizes the necessity for PIOs to be involved in project discussions early on and to challenge the status quo to prevent crises from escalating.

 Matthew's LinkedIn

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In this episode, John Pope, the Public Information Officer for Newport Beach, shares his journey from journalism to public relations within government agencies. He discusses his daily responsibilities, the unique challenges of communicating in a diverse community, and the importance of transparency and effective communication strategies. John also highlights the significance of crisis communication, media relations, and the tools he uses to engage with the public. He reflects on successful campaigns, the impact of AI in public relations, and offers valuable advice for new PIOs while dispelling common myths about the profession 

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Summary

In this episode, Parth Shah, CEO of Polimorphic, discusses the transformative role of AI in government communications and public service. He shares insights from his background in civic technology and the challenges faced by public agencies in managing communications, public records, and community engagement. Parth emphasizes the importance of AI in enhancing customer service, addressing misinformation, and improving accessibility for diverse populations. He also highlights the need for governments to adapt to technological advancements to meet rising public expectations and maintain effective service delivery.

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In this episode of the PIO podcast, Commander Mike Shaw of the Michigan State Police shares his extensive experience in law enforcement and the evolution of public information officers (PIOs). He discusses the importance of adapting to technological changes, the structure of the communications division, and the challenges faced by PIOs in modern policing. Mike emphasizes the need for community engagement and the role of social media in disseminating information. He also touches on the future of PIO work, including the integration of AI and the importance of continuous learning in the field.

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Summary In this episode, Robert Tornabene interviews Jennifer Hillmann, the Director of Communications for Thompson Valley EMS. Jennifer shares her journey into the field of communications, her experiences as a public information officer (PIO), and the importance of calm communication during crises. She discusses the role of social media in emergency management, the integration of AI tools in communications, and the future of PIOs in a tech-savvy world. Jennifer emphasizes the need for effective communication in various industries and the misconceptions surrounding the PIO role. The conversation concludes with key takeaways and advice for aspiring communicators.

Jennifer's BIO Jennifer Hillmann serves as the Public Information Officer and Executive Director of Communications for Thompson Valley EMS, where she leads all facets of internal and external communications, crisis response, public relations, and community engagement. With more than two decades of experience spanning local, state, and federal government, Jennifer is a recognized leader in emergency communications, public affairs strategy, and organizational messaging.

Jennifer has managed communications during some of Colorado’s most complex emergencies, including the High Park Fire, the 2013 floods, ice storms/blizzards, and COVID-19 during the 2020 Census. As a FEMA-certified PIO and instructor of G290/G291 courses, she has trained hundreds of emergency communication professionals in public information protocols. Her work has also earned her several honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Distinguished Service Award for excellence in disaster communications.

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Summary:  In this episode of the PIO podcast, Sergeant Carla Burr from the Amarillo Police Department shares her extensive journey in law enforcement, detailing her transition from dispatcher to Public Information Officer. She discusses the department's structure, the importance of community engagement through social media, and her experiences working with local media. Carla also highlights the challenges of handling missing persons cases and the value of podcasting for raising awareness about cold cases and fostering collaboration within the community. In this engaging conversation, Carla Burr discusses her experiences in law enforcement, focusing on community engagement, the challenges of recruitment, and the importance of effective communication. She shares insights on managing the agency's website, training for crisis communication, and the role of social media policies. Carla also highlights her use of AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance her writing and communication efforts. As she reflects on her career goals and aspirations, she emphasizes the significance of kindness and community support in law enforcement.

Carla's BIO: Carla Burr has been with the Amarillo Police Department since 1993, starting as a dispatcher before becoming an officer in 1996 (FIGHTING 66th ACADEMY). She was assigned evening patrol and later served as a field training officer. In 2001, Carla joined the School Liaison \program, where she was promoted to Corporal and became a Hostage Negotiator. In 2009, she
was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to the Robbery and Domestic Violence Squad. From 2012 to 2015, she was assigned as the Academy Sergeant and spent time as a patrol Sergeant. In 2015, Carla was assigned as a Dispatch Supervisor/Liaison for 3 years. Since 2018, Carla has served as the department’s public information officer. She is one of the coaches for the academy's fitness program and a member of the Peer Support team. Outside of work, she coaches at CrossFit 806 and volunteers with organizations like Amarillo Area CASA, the Lone Star Runners Club, and Special Olympics. She cherishes her close-knit community, her loving family spread across the country, and, of course, her three spoiled dogs.

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Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Jen Longaecker, the Deputy Communications Director for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, shares her unique journey from journalism to public safety communications. She discusses the challenges faced during the 2020 civil unrest, the importance of social media in crisis management, and the strategies employed to engage the community and recruit new law enforcement personnel. Jen emphasizes the significance of storytelling in public safety communications and the need for effective messaging templates to navigate crises. In this conversation, Jen Longaecker discusses the evolving role of law enforcement and the importance of community engagement. She highlights the challenges faced by communications professionals in adapting to changing media consumption habits and the impact of AI on storytelling. Jen shares her aspirations in crisis communication and offers valuable advice for aspiring public information officers, emphasizing the importance of genuine storytelling and preparedness in crises. The discussion concludes with key takeaways on effective communication strategies and the importance of curiosity in the field.

Jen's BIO:  Jen Longaecker has worked for the Department of Public Safety since 2013 in a variety of roles. She began her time with DPS as a public information officer for the State Fire Marshal division and Office of Pipeline Safety. She also served as DPS’ social media manager and staff photographer. Jen left DPS briefly to work as a communications manager for a Twin Cities suburb but returned to DPS and is currently the deputy communications director, leading a team of 25 communications specialists and public information officers. 

Jen has experience handling strategic communications and social media messaging during critical incidents. 

She was in the joint information center during the historic civil unrest following the death of George Floyd and the killing of Daunte Wright, and also developed strategic communication for the COVID-19 pandemic and Line 3 pipeline construction. Jen has taken photos at several funerals for Minnesota fallen first responders and has helped local agencies with crisis communications and media relations.

Before coming to DPS, Jen was a 911 dispatcher for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Jen spent the early stages of her career as a newspaper editor and reporter covering public safety and courts. 

Jen lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and her dog, a pug named Evie. In her spare time, she plays the saxophone in two swing bands and is training to provide PIO support on large-scale fires and other emergencies across the country. 

Jen is a University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduate.

Email Jen

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