The PIO Podcast

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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.

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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.

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Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Megan Black, the Public Information Officer for the Renton Police Department. Megan shares her journey from a long career in broadcast journalism to her current role in law enforcement communications. She discusses the importance of community engagement, the role of crime analysis in effective communication, and the significance of storytelling in law enforcement. Megan emphasizes the need for transparency and building relationships with the media, as well as her thoughts on the impact of artificial intelligence in the field. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Megan's insights and values.

Meeghan's BIO: Meeghan Black is the Communications and Community Engagement Manager for the Renton Police Department. Before joining RPD, Meeghan served as the Public Information Officer for the Bellevue Police Department and had a nearly three-decade-long career in broadcast journalism. During both careers, Meeghan has covered natural disasters, protests, riots during 2020, a line-of-duty death, officer misconduct, and other issues.

Meeghan is a native of the Seattle area and has lived in Renton with her husband and daughter for the past 20 years. 

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In this episode, retired Chief of Police Thomas Weitzel discusses his extensive career in law enforcement, the challenges posed by the Safety Act in Illinois, and the implications for policing and community safety. He emphasizes the need for proactive policing, the importance of maintaining high standards for officers, and the role of social media in shaping public perception. Weitzel also addresses the impact of recent youth crime incidents and the necessity for transparency and communication between law enforcement and the community. He advocates for legislative reforms to improve policing standards and officer morale, while sharing personal insights on leadership and community engagement.

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Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Brent Patterson, the Public Information Officer and Media Relations Director at the Madison County Sheriff's Department in Huntsville, Alabama. Brent shares his unique journey from law enforcement to becoming a PIO, discussing the challenges and responsibilities of the role, the importance of social media in law enforcement, and the impact of AI on public relations. He emphasizes the need for transparency and community engagement while reflecting on personal insights and experiences throughout his career.

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Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.