GSMA Council Candidates

I’m passionate about advancing the role of government social media professionals and strengthening our professional network. Serving on the GSMA Council would allow me to share creative strategies, spark new ideas, and connect members with tools that make their online engagement more impactful. I want to help create training and collaboration opportunities that inspire, equip, and empower our region’s communicators.

As Communications Manager for the City of Jacksonville Beach, I lead all public engagement, media relations, and digital communications. I manage the City’s social media strategy across multiple platforms, creating timely, accurate, and engaging content that builds trust and fosters community involvement. I also oversee video production, newsletters, website updates, and strategic campaigns aligned with City priorities.

I bring a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and hands-on experience managing high-impact communications for a coastal city. I understand the challenges of limited resources, rapid response needs, and building public trust. My collaborative approach, track record of award-winning projects, and commitment to elevating the profession will ensure our region has a strong, solutions-focused voice on the council.

Florida League of Cities - 2025 Public Engagement Award

Florida Municipal Communicators Association - 2025 Outstanding Award Social Media Campaign

Florida Municipal Communicators Association - 2025 Runner-Up - Collaborative Video

Florida Municipal Communicators Association - Board Member | 2022 - current

3CMA - Membership Committee Member | 2023 - current

I’ve been part of GSMA since 2022, serving on the Awards Committee for multiple years, speaking at GSMCON2025, and participated in several magical moments in 2025. I love our community of socialgovs and believe deeply in GSMA’s mission. I want to continue giving back by serving our region by supporting peers, sharing knowledge, and being a resource to anyone who needs it. I'm passionate about helping our community grow, stay inspired, and feeling connected.

As Director of Communications and Community Relations, I manage all internal and external communications for the District Attorney’s Office. I create content and oversee multiple social media platforms, using analytics to guide strategy and ensure community engagement. I handle media relations, write press releases, manage our website, and coordinate marketing materials. I also plan and execute public events, ensuring our office stays connected, transparent, and visible in the community.

As a long-time GSMA member, Awards Committee volunteer, and 2025 GSMCON speaker, I understand the unique challenges of working in government social media, juggling content, crisis comms, and community engagement.  That’s why I’m so passionate about supporting our community, sharing ideas that make life easier, and bringing our community together. I bring heart, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping every social gov feel seen, connected, and empowered to do this work. I truly think our community is special and I want to help elevate it in anyway I can.

InnovateHer Award Recipient from Douglas County Chamber 2024

Top Young Professional in Douglas County 2022

Engaging Local Government Leaders Top 100 Influencers in Local Government for 2025

Douglas County District Attorney's Barry Wood Award 2021

New Georgia Baseball Association- Secretary | 2014-current

Douglas County Young Professionals- Vice Chair | 2025-current

Jess Rousey Honoring Heroes- Communications Chair | 2025-current 

The ATIR Community- Co-Chair | 2024-current

Paulding County Youth Baseball Advisory Board-Secretary | 2023-current

It would be an honor to serve on GSMA Council! Since getting involved in government, this organization has been incredibly helpful in finding best practices, creative solutions, and navigating different issues that arise in the digital space. I would love to give back the knowledge I've gained the past three years and help others in the Southeast region.

In my current role, I work closely with the Communications Director in creating fun and immersive Community events and managing our digital presence on the City's website and social media platforms. I help create and develop City publications including the bi-annual newsletter/magazine and monthly eNewsletters. Some of my other duties involve in maintaining the City Hall Museum, managing Mayor's Youth Council and other Special public interest Committees, overseeing the City's Farmers Market program, grant writing, coordinating across multiple departments, and assisting the residents of Olive Branch.

As Communications Coordinator for the City of Olive Branch, I bring over a decade of experience in digital strategy and community engagement. I’m passionate about using social media to build trust, share stories, and connect to key stakeholders of an organization. With a background spanning government, higher education, and nonprofits, I offer a well-rounded, strategic, and heart-forward perspective. I’d be honored to help elevate our profession and support fellow GSM members nationwide. The more we as a community share our collective knowledge, the more our communities can thrive!

Certificate of Merit, Zeta Tau Alpha

Two-Time recipient of the Mayor's Award Greek Advisor of the Year

Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce, NextGEN Board Member | 2025-present 

National Pahnellenic Council, Area Advisor | 2022-present

Zeta Tau Alpha, Collegiate Recruitment Specialist | 2022-present

Delta Gamma, Friends of the Anchor Facilitator | 2025-Present

Wesson House, Board Member | 2023-present

Mayor's Youth Council, Program Facilitator | 2023-present

The GSM community has been a constant source of inspiration, ideas, and connection throughout my years of membership and attending the conferences. My involvement has grown over time, and serving on the GSMA Council feels like a natural next step. At my core, I am passionate about connecting professionals who share common goals and interests, particularly in our unique industry of government communications. I’m eager to bring my energy, ideas, and collaborative spirit to help strengthen the network and advance its mission and would love the opportunity to serve the organization and its members.

I serve as one of the two PIOs managing communications for both the Nashville Fire Department and the Metro Nashville Office of Emergency Management. Our small team divides responsibilities by agency, task, and social media platform and we co-lead strategy and execution across multiple social media platforms for each department. I am the on-call responder for emergency incidents and additionally serve as a deployable PIO asset for the State of Tennessee. In addition to my communications role, I created and now manage innovative community engagement programs that have become core to our agencies’ outreach and an integral part of my responsibilities.

I bring a unique blend of crisis communication expertise, creative engagement perspectives, and a deep commitment to serving others. Beyond my department, I facilitate trainings that equip new public safety social media managers with a strong foundational knowledge. I’m passionate about professional development, recently completing FEMA’s Master/Executive PIO program to stay aligned with industry best practices. I also bring regional leadership experience, having served in other national organizations for communicators; ensuring members were informed and engaged year-round and at annual conferences. These skills and experiences uniquely position me to serve and strengthen our GSM community.

2024 James G Yvorra Scholarship for Fire and Emergency Service Responders Award

2024 MNPS Community Member of the Year Award

National Information Officers Association, Region 4 Director | 2023 - Present

BLAZE Mentoring Program, Founder and Operator | 2018 - Present

I want to get more people involved in GSMA from the Southeast region & help to foster growth within our region.

As you have seen from visiting our state during the last GSMCON, SMMs in our region are dealing with A LOT in their messaging- from climate change, coastal flooding, and super active hurricane seasons to navigating a challenging political climate, I would love to lend my expertise to the organization that has helped me grow professionally and elevate what I do to the next level.

#WeAreFTL Social media, strategic communications & good old-fashioned storytelling for #TeamFTL, including: ideating, capturing, and posting visual content, copywriting, creative storytelling, cross-team collaboration, filming & editing, proficiency with Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Later, and other third-party aggregators.
- Develops and implements public information campaigns and special projects for City programs, services, and events
- Develops, creates, and produces photos and videos for the City's communications tools
- Distributes print, electronic, and digital marketing communication materials to support campaigns for City programs, services, events, etc.

More on LinkedIN profile.

Why should you elect me?
Because: I SEE YOU.
I truly care about this group of professionals so much- not only has Government Social Media changed the way I approach social, it has changed the way I approach work in general.
I want to be a voice in the room that influences decisions on how we grow & engage our socialgovs nationwide- a huge passion of mine in my career.
I want to give back to the organization that has supported me during the best (& worst) times in my career.
I want to help connect those who are doing a lonely job with others doing the same thing, so they don't feel alone.
And because I want to live up to the 2025 Golden Post Leadership Award & make y'all proud.

2025 Golden Post Award Honoree: Social Media Leadership

ELGL 2024 Top Influencers in Local Government, #7

2023 Golden Post Award Honoree: Best LinkedIn Presence for the City of Fort Lauderdale

2023 Golden Post Award Finalist: Best Nextdoor Presence for the City of Fort Lauderdale

GSM Membership Committee Member | 2022

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Member | 2021-2024

To many of us, this association has offered a listening ear, wise counsel, and lasting friendships—and I've been fortunate to experience that firsthand. I aspire to offer that same welcoming support to others as a member of the Council.

I’m eager to bring this dedication, my institutional knowledge, and a spirit of empathy and service to the Council. I would be honored to serve alongside other great professionals and contribute to shared mission of the association.

- Develop and implement marketing strategies for the city's social media accounts.
- Develop and implement marketing social media strategies for the Mayor's Office to enhance the brand, including the Digital Divide Initiative and the Love Shreveport Campaign.
- Create content and graphics for City Departments (Community Development, Fair Share, Public Works, Shreveport Police, Fire, Etc)
- Analyzing the short and long-term impacts of a media campaign.
- Mentor a team of cross-functional digital marketing strategists.
- Managed social media strategies for city communications and events, ensuring timely postings.
- Managed Public Access Channel (COMCAST CHANNEL 6)

As a Public Servant with experience managing social media and communications, I’ve learned that this work demands both passion and purpose—something only deeply understood through practice. I’m committed to using my insights and creativity to champion those who dedicate themselves to this vital role every day.

Although the path has its challenges, I embrace them wholeheartedly. My devotion to continuous learning, growth, and honoring the rich culture of the South gives me a distinctive voice and perspective. I believe this unique blend of passion, professionalism, and cultural understanding would make me a valuable asset to the Council.

Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce 40 under 40 Award Recipient

JL Horton Service Award for Community Service Work

Run With Ron Brain Aneurysm Walk/Run Organizer

Membership Committee, Government Social Media | 2021-2024

Marketing Committee, Government Social Media | 2024-Present

I have the time to commit to taking the council to its next level because my team expanded in 2024. GSM has been a huge part of my professional development over my five years as a social government professional through presentations at conferences and making connections with a lot of fellow GSM members in the Facebook group and at the conference. This is a chance to give back. I'd like to meet even more of you and help your voices be heard. As the great poet Andre 3000 said, "The South's got something to say."

- Work with top leadership and staff at all levels to promote the County's mission, vision and values to 1.1 million residents plus businesses and visitors.
- Guide the strategic social media direction for the County through data-driven decisions, including the creation and deletion of accounts.
- Create and manage paid and organic social media campaigns around complex topics related to County spending, resources and partnerships.
- Manage team in content creation and customer service for award-winning accounts with 210,000+ total followers.
- Provide regular training, support and guidance to 9 County-wide social media administrators.
- Build and maintain relationships with vendors.

I'm not Pedro but I still want you to vote for me because I believe in what GSM is doing for the government social media community. Among the council duties, I've already offered recommendations to GSM on how to best serve and support members, shared ideas with GSM to promote a diverse and inclusive environment within the association, supported member recruitment by telling people about the org and built connections across the southeast. This is a chance to do this on a larger scale. Our region is probably doing it best, right? So let's continue the great energy we've brought to the council, with me!

Social Media Professional of the Year, Government Social Media, 2025

First Place, Writing, Mecklenburg County Social Media Handbook, NC City and County Communications, 2024

First Place, Social Media Use: LinkedIn, NC City and County Communications, 2023, 2021

Mecklenburg County’s Social Media Handbook, Printed Publications Style or Branding Guide, 3CMA, 2023

Training Committee, Government Social Media | 2024-present

I'm just one year into living in this region, after moving to North Carolina from Michigan, and would love to keep getting to know the southeast contingent of our industry network via the GSMA Council. I have participated in GSM, GSMCON, and GSMA for years now, and have served on committees; I would love to take my participation a step further and join the Council. I feel that my years in the industry give me knowledge and experience to share with the upcoming generation of communicators, and I love to learn from them, too! I have experienced the power of a strong career network for years now, and want to continue promoting opportunities like GSMA to keep us strong, smart, and well.

I work for ECU's University Communications and serve as a liaison to our College of Fine Arts and Communication. For the college, I identify, write, and edit stories for ECU News Services; coordinate social media use across platforms for the college and its schools; create, post, and monitor social media content for the college's main accounts; monitor the college's online reputation; update and maintain content on the college's website; manage college internal communications; and manage media relations for the college.

I have worked with social media over 10 years, and in various communication positions for 20-plus, including in the media, local government, and now higher education. I love this industry and the way we are built (or have built it) to be peers; we share tips, tricks, posts, websites, RFPs, and case studies to help make us all better. That is something special I try to help maintain through participation with industry organizations. I work to stay current, help peers, and engage in best practices so our industry continues to grow and prosper, and our agencies along with us. As an "elder" here (ha), I am always happy to share stories and experiences to help those communicators coming up.

2024 - GSM Golden Post Finalist: Best Social Media Customer Service (City of Battle Creek, MI)

2023 - GSM Golden Post Finalist: Best Facebook Presence (City of Battle Creek, MI)

2022 - GSM Golden Post Winner: Best Nextdoor Presence Service (City of Battle Creek, MI)

2021 - No. 1 Local Government Influencer - Engaging Local Government Leaders

2020 - GSM Golden Post Finalist: Best Social Media Customer Service and Best Social Media in an Emergency (Battle Creek, MI)

Speaker and presenter at various agency conferences in the 2020s on communication and social media topics (including Nextdoor; communication during the pandemic; and small team/budget), 

Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) Board of Directors | 2022-2023

3CMA Communications and Marketing Committee member | 2024

GSM Membership Committee member | 2022-2024 

ELGL Content and Communication Committee member | 2023-present

GSM Marketing Committee member | 2024-present

Since 2010, I have led the evolution of government social media in Arizona. At GSMCON2025, I represented my City and led my team in applying conference strategies to citywide social media roundtables and emergency communications. I built relationships with GSMA peers, refining virtual connections into in-person collaborations. I want to serve the Southwest Region to help members adapt to change, foster innovation, and share strategies that improve public engagement and resident-focused communication.

Oversee and ensure consistency across all City social media accounts by implementing policies, templates, and graphics. Serve as administrator for these accounts, producing content, coordinating campaigns, and maintaining updates while incorporating trends to keep communications modern and engaging. Manage other digital services supporting public engagement, including the citizen engagement platform, citizen relationship management system, digital asset management system, and digital media broadcast program. Provide strategic direction, define goals, and evaluate digital products to ensure innovation and community connection.

I am passionate about inspiring positive action and fostering trust, cooperation, and team pride. I serve on the ADA Committee, AI Committee, and chair the Web Governance Committee, shaping accessibility, emerging technology use, and digital policy. I articulate clear strategies, ensure compliance, and develop processes that promote collaboration and innovation. My focus is always on transparency, outreach, and residents’ needs while helping peers strengthen their digital communications practices.

Certified Public Communicator (CPC), Texas Christian University

Recognized for championing digital transformation, accessibility, and user-focused communication

Led citywide ADA-compliant website modernization

Founded UX Force to streamline content and compliance

Represented my City at GSMCON2025, implementing strategies and expanding professional connections

Currently pursuing the Certified Government Web Professional (NAGW) designation, recognizing leadership in delivering adaptive, secure, and innovative digital services

Chairperson of Web Governance Committee | 2025

While other organizations provide worthwhile opportunities for learning and growth, GSMA has been a game changer for the way I run our social media strategy. I attended my first Government Social Media Conference in Dallas in 2022. Since that year, I have championed GSMA within my network of government communicators. GSM serves as a vital community and resource where #SocialGovs can improve skills, ask for candid advice, and lean on one another for support. There is no other organization that compares!

By serving on the GSMA Council, I would be able to advocate more broadly for the organization and help grow this thriving community of amazing, thoughtful, creative professionals.

As the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency's sole communications practitioner, I lead all facets of communications strategy including media relations, website, internal communications, graphic design, videography, and photography. In a career at OHFA that spans nearly 24 years, my job duties have evolved to include social media. I launched OHFA's social media presence in the early days of their business usage. Today, social media plays a critical role in my communications strategy. I use social media as a way to not only inform, entertain, and educate customers but also as a critical two-way communications tool.

As a communications professional with nearly 25 years of experience with governmental programs, I've been working with social media since the very beginning. While much of what I have learned has been by trial and error, so much more has been gained from fellow professionals.

As a past president of the Public Relations Society of America Oklahoma City Chapter, I bring experience in leading a volunteer-driven professional organization.

I bring a commitment to our profession, this organization, and an eagerness to serve. I will work alongside the Council, Leadership, and members to help GSMA grow and thrive. I look forward to working with the Southwest Region and beyond.

Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)

Public Relations Society of America Oklahoma City Chapter Paul E. Dannelley Harmony Award

Public Relations Society of America Oklahoma City Chapter PR Professional of the Year

Public Relations Society of America Oklahoma City Chapter President | 2012 

PRSA Accreditation Marketing Committee Chair | 2017-2018

I want to serve on the GSMA Council because I’m passionate about helping my City use social media not just for routine government updates, but to build genuine community connections and foster transparency. I was the visionary who created Irvine’s social media accounts before it was common for governments to engage online. Active on social media since MySpace, I’ve witnessed its power to transform public engagement, from everyday conversations to critical communications during the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfire emergencies. I lead a talented team that creates content while I oversee their work, set strategy, and guide growth by staying ahead of trends. Serving on the council would allow me to share Irvine’s experiences, learn from peers, and help shape the future of government social media.

I lead the City of Irvine’s Communications & Engagement Department, overseeing strategy and execution across its four divisions. Our team ensures residents, businesses, and visitors stay informed about City policies, initiatives, events, and services through multiple channels, including website, social media channels, press, video, and our award-winning magazine. Since creating the City’s social media presence in 2009, I’ve guided its growth to foster community connection, promote transparency, and manage public feedback with professionalism. My work helps keep Irvine engaged, informed, and connected. To date, we create content and manage more than 15 social channels.

I bring more than 20 years of government communications experience, combined with a deep passion and forward-thinking approach to social media. I’m active across platforms, stay on top of trends, and understand how to engage diverse audiences effectively. I’m experienced in navigating trolls and balancing respect for First Amendment speech while managing challenging interactions professionally. I lead a skilled team, providing strategic guidance to create content that’s timely, transparent, and authentic. I also recognize how vital it is for government communicators to learn from each other’s experiences to grow stronger and serve our communities better.

Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative Graduate

City of Irvine Employee of the Year (2021)

DEI Committee, Staff Liaison | 2021-2023

I want to serve my region on the GSMA Council because I’m passionate about strengthening the connections, knowledge-sharing, and professional support that make this community so valuable. As a GSMA member for six years, I’ve benefited greatly from the camaraderie, lessons learned, and practical resources the association provides. My experience includes five years on the Utah Public Information Officer Association, where I currently serve as president, which has deepened my commitment to collaboration and elevating the work of government communicators. I would bring that same dedication to representing our region and helping GSMA members thrive.

As a one-person communications team, I manage all aspects of the City’s social media, website, and public engagement platforms, creating content, running campaigns, and responding to the public in real time, while also serving as the City’s primary spokesperson and leading both day-to-day and crisis communications.

I’ve had the privilege of working in California, Utah, and Nevada, serving in local & county agencies across transportation, water, health care, & municipal government. That variety has given me a deep understanding of how different agencies operate, & the unique communication challenges each one faces. Along the way, I’ve learned to adapt quickly, think creatively, & share lessons that help others avoid common pitfalls. I keep a positive attitude, & I’m resourceful and creative in finding solutions that work. I’m passionate about government communications because I believe it’s at the heart of building trust & engagement with our communities.

President, Utah Public Information Officer Association

Speaker, Utah Public Information Officer Association Conference

Speaker, 3CMA Conference

Master of Science, Marketing

President, Utah Public Information Officer Association | 2024-2025

Board Member, Utah Public Information Officer Association | 2019-2025

Board Member, Municipal Management Association of Southern California | 2002-2007

I've been attending the conference and webinars for the past five years. It's been an amazing experience learning from other talented social media communicators. I want to serve on the GSMA West Region Council because the Association and the Government Social Media community has helped me so much in my career, that I want to lend my expertise and leadership to give back to others. I find our quarterly meet-ups to discuss challenges, best practices and group exercises as valuable learning tools for the needs we have in the west. I want to build on Zach's great work that has brought this group together and continue to use these meeting to build on our collective knowledge.

- Develop and implement the County’s Social Media plan and strategy.
- Selected as a speaker at the 2025 Government Social Media Conference on how to build a Social Media Plan and Style Guide.
- Host monthly webinars for over 70 County Social Media Managers and Department Leads.
- Manage Social Media staff to fulfill the objectives of the County’s Social Media plan.
- Write press releases and web-based stories to promote County functions that use creative storytelling techniques and compelling narratives.

I ask for my colleagues to vote for me because of my work ethic, leadership and almost 20 years of experience in the government social media field and will advocate for our region on the Council. In my role for the County of Santa Clara, I've taken what we learn at GSM events and pass it on to others in my organization through monthly webinars. This will translate to the West Region quarterly meetings as we create presentations on how platform updates affect our day-to-day operations, share best practices and explore ways we can collaborate. I will try to recruit others who have specific knowledge on various topics to present to us and use the time for us to learn from each other and fun!

Selected as a speaker at the 2025 Government Social Media Conference on how to build a Social Media Plan and Style Guide. 

Vice President - Minnesota Curling Association | 2008-2010

I want to give back to a community that’s helped me grow. The West region has shared tools, offered support, and sparked ideas that have shaped my work. Serving on the Council feels like a chance to pay that forward, keep learning, and support others doing fast-moving, high-impact communications, often without a roadmap.

I help lead digital communications for the City of Berkeley as part of a team that manages Citywide messaging. I serve as our team’s social media manager and focus on strategy and content for social media, web, and email. With over three years in this role, I’ve built strong skills in communication, graphic design, and content strategy. My work includes writing Community Messages and webpages in the City’s voice and branding, supporting emergency communications, and training staff in digital tools. At the core of my work is a commitment to telling clear, compelling stories that connect with diverse audiences across digital platforms.

I bring energy, follow-through, and a sense of humor, especially when I’m racing the clock and the Wi-Fi picks a side. I build a mean PowerPoint, trained teams, launched platforms, and written through emergencies. I’ve also hit plenty of roadblocks. What’s kept me going is knowing there’s a community that understands the work and has your back. I believe we’re stronger when we learn from each other.

Presented speed session at GSMCON to 600+ in-person and 290+ virtual attendees

Trained 53 staff across departments in communications tools

Supported six Emergency Operation Center (EOC) activations

Launched a Citywide photo library with over 4,000+ images to the library

Launched the City’s Instagram and Bluesky accounts