Statewide PIO

 1) PIO leaders needed -  There is a call for nominations for leadership roles of the Arizona Information Officers Association!  As we work to build a stronger, more connected community of public information professionals across Arizona, we are seeking dynamic, forward-thinking leaders to serve in the following key roles: President, Vice President and Secretary.

Why Now?
Arizona’s public communicators are more important than ever. From city governments and school districts to health departments and emergency services, PIOs across the state are shaping public trust through clear, timely, and accurate information.

What We Need:
We’re looking for fresh voices and bold ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned PIO or a rising professional with a passion for public service, we encourage you to step forward—or nominate someone who should.

We especially encourage nominations from across the entire state, urban centers, rural communities, tribal nations, and everything in between. This is an opportunity to ensure all corners of Arizona have a voice at the table.

 Roles & Responsibilities at a Glance:

·  President

– Lead the board, set direction, and represent the network statewide.


·  Vice President

– Support the president and assist in statewide outreach and initiatives.


·  Secretary

- Maintain records, meeting notes, and help ensure transparency.

How to Nominate:
Submit your nomination (self-nominations welcome!) with a brief bio and statement of interest by June 20th to tingersollaz@arizona.edu

A vote for the positions will be held here in the group several weeks later.

An announcement will be made in July with a networking event opportunity being planned for the group at the Arizona Department of Administration. More to come with a save-the-date soon!  

2) PIO training  - Social Media Tools and Techniques.  This course is July 15th in Prescott, registration and more information, https://ndptc.hawaii.edu/training/delivery/4010/

 

3) PIO training part 2. Due to significant process and procedure updates, many of the training courses offered through DEMA (my agency) have been postponed. When PIO courses get rescheduled, I will share those details.

 

4) PIO Contact list.  Attached is the updated statewide PIO contact list.  The list is divided into multiple tabs representing jurisdictional levels (city, county, federal, state and tribes) and specialties (law enforcement, fire, schools, utilities, etc). 

 

The PIO list is a great resource because you help keep it accurate.  If you have any edits to the list please reply to this email.  If you know of someone that should be added to the list, have them contact me. Send me your agency social media information if you would like it included.

 

5) Facebook group (Arizona PIOs).  The Arizona Information Officers Association maintains a Facebook PIO group (Arizona PIOs) to find the latest job openings, professional development opportunities and share your knowledge with peers looking for advice on best practices. This is a closed group, you need to be part of the statewide PIO list to join. If interested, send a friend request and if you are joining under a different name please inform Heather Murphy, heather.murphy@phoenix.gov, or Tamra Ingersoll, tingersollaz@arizona.edu.

 

6) PIO networking. Many parts of the state have regional PIO groups. If you are interested in connecting with the communicators in your area . .see the contacts below:

 

Southern Arizona Public Sector Communicators: James Allerton, j.allerton11@gmail.com

Cochise County area; (Carol Capas, ccapas@cochise.az.gov; Grady Butler, gbutler@cochise.az.gov)

Yavapai County  (John Heiney, john.heiney@prescott-az.gov; Sarah Townsley; Sarah.Townsley@yavapaiaz.gov )

Tri-state (AZ, NV,CA) area (Lance Ross, lross@crsk12.org); 

Yuma area (Tony Badilla, tony.badilla@yumacountyaz.gov).

East Valley PIOs (Brenda Carrasco, Brenda.carrasco@gilbertaz.gov)

West Valley PIOs (Derek Diesner,DDiesner@glendaleaz.com)

 

If you have a group in your area, please let me know.  I love to get out and join the regional meetings when my schedule permits.


Thanks, Judy

 

--

Kindest regards,

 

Judy Kioski, Public Information Officer

Public Information Office
Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA)

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