GSMA Council Candidates

Hi, I’m Mariah! I’m a storyteller, video editing guru, dog mom, and government communicator who loves bringing people together. I’m running for the GSMA Council because community is one of the things I value most about this profession. I love connecting government communicators, sharing ideas and resources, and creating spaces where we can learn from and support one another. I’d be honored to bring that energy to the Council and represent the Northwest.

Social media isn’t just one part of my job, it’s what I get to spend almost every day thinking about. As a Digital Communications Specialist for the Washington Secretary of State’s Office, I create content that makes elections and government information easier to understand and more engaging. On any given day, you might find me filming a video, editing a Reel, building a campaign, writing copy, or digging into analytics. I’m especially passionate about short-form video and accessibility, and I love finding creative ways to make government content feel more human while maintaining trust and accuracy.

After more than 10 years in social media, I still genuinely love this work. I also know government social media comes with unique challenges. We balance multiple opinions, last-minute changes, accessibility requirements, limited resources, and yes, sometimes being asked to post a PDF on Instagram. And we’ve all heard, “Can we make it pop?” I bring hands-on experience in social strategy, short-form video, accessibility, and analytics. I want to bring that experience to the Council to listen, share what I’ve learned, and help fellow government communicators feel supported and connected.

2026 GSM Golden Post Award Judge | Cyber Intelligence Foundations by Mandiant

I'm Jess Brown from the Iowa DNR, and I'd love to serve my fellow Midwestern social govs as your council rep! GSMA and GSMCON have been the most meaningful and impactful resources in my professional development, and supporting and giving back to this remarkable community is a priority for me. I have gained so much from our community, from the days of Twitter GSMChat to the latest video summit, with many GSMCONs and roles in between. I would love the opportunity to support you as your Midwest representative. (Also, Midwest is Best!)

I've been the lead on the agency's social media presence since we launched our strategic social effort in 2012. I've developed our agency's overall social media strategy and led our growth over the last 14 years.

I continue to develop a comprehensive social media approach for the agency, generate and post content, collect, analyze and report on performance data, lead social media response, maintain the social media policy, and work to grow the impact and effectiveness of our social media through targeted and thoughtful content, promotion and positive user experiences.

I'm fortunate enough to have been part of the GSM community for about a decade now, including a previous term on the council as Vice President and Awards Co-chair, as a GSMCON speaker, and as a member of numerous GSMA committees. I bring that wealth of GSM experience, in addition to 14 years at the helm of Iowa DNR social media and 23 years in government comms. I'm so excited about the growth of GSM, GSMCON, our community and our profession, and would love the opportunity to bring together my experience of GSM over the years with where the member association is headed next. I want to make sure that you find your membership in this association and our community as meaningful as I have.

2026 Professional of the Year, Government Social Media's Golden Post Awards | 2017 Professional of the Year, Social Media Club Des Moines | Top 100 Local Government Influencer, Engaging Local Government Leaders, 2021 and 2022 | Best Social Media Presence, Association for Conservation Information, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2023

GSMA Member Council, Midwest Rep and Vice-President | 2019-2022

Social Media Club Des Moines, board member, co-executive director | 2016-2019

Food Bank of Iowa, Communications Committee member | 2023-2026

Southeast Polk Education Foundation, board member and Communications Director | 2023-present

Hello, GSM nation! If I haven't met you in person or online at a Government Social Media event, my name is Tim Kirsininkas, and I serve as the Communications Coordinator for the Village of Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Having attended many virtual GSM-organized events during my three years of membership and my first in-person Government Social Media Conference this past year, I have seen the value in being a member of this organization, and cherish the professional connections my membership has brought me. I hope to enable the same for others!

As the Village of Buffalo Grove's Communications Coordinator, I work across all Village departments to help develop and craft communications campaigns and social media content. Since beginning this role, I have helped enhance the Village's communications effort to be people-centric and video-focused, helping our residents see and connect with those who deliver essential services to them every day. On Facebook alone, content I have worked on and prepared has netted over 100,000 interactions and over 7,000 followers over three years.

Working across all Village departments, including Police, Fire, and Public Works – as well as my previous experience in nonprofit organizations, libraries, and museums – I would bring a diverse perspective to the GSMA and would be able to connect to many of you, our fellow GSMA members. I want to serve as an additional support resource for you and the communities you serve. The work we do as government communicators is important, and this organization should be there to give you all the support you need in whatever issues you may be facing or goals you are looking to accomplish.

2024 3CMA Award of Excellence for Overall Website and Branding/New Logo | 2024 3CMA Silver Circle Award for One-Time Special Video Programming | 2024-2025 Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove Distinguished New Member | 2023 Model Illinois Government Joan Eastlund Lifetime Achievement Award

Model Illinois Government Executive Board | 2017-2019

Public Image Chair, Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove | 2024-Present

For nearly a decade, I have served as the statewide social media director and digital content administrator for the State of Michigan, leading Michigan.gov’s content strategy and the state’s global social media program. Since joining the Government Social Media Association (GSMA) as a member in 2017, I have benefited personally and professionally from the association, its member network, and all that it offers. I’m running to give back and support the community that has given me so much over the years.

I oversee digital content strategy on Michigan.gov and I direct the state’s global social media program, designing, maintaining and enforcing statewide social media policy and guidelines for all executive branch departments. I provide daily digital content updates on the global SOM social media accounts. Having grown that following from 68K followers organically in 2016 to 2.7M followers today, I have focused on building robust online communities. With an emphasis on digital accessibility, two-way engagement, and promoting trust and transparency, my work and the work of the greater SOM team has been recognized as a national leader in government communications, digital and social media.

Why vote for me? I have and continue to be an advocate for government social media professionals in Michigan and beyond. I previously served as GSMA Membership Council president (2023-2024) and I served as your elected Northeast Regional Council representative (2022-2024). Supporting membership and government social media professionals across North America, I also co-chaired the GSMA Membership Committee for two years (2022-2024). I continue to serve the Membership Committee as a member. As a past Golden Post Awards judge, GSMCON speaker, and GSMA leader, I bring proven experience and a unique statewide perspective to the position.

06/2025 - SOM Leadership Coin in recognition of support provided during the Norther Michigan historic ice storm. Supported emergency communications and statewide social, sharing/amplifying over 400 posts. | 03/2025 - Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police/Emergency Management Homeland Security Division and DTMB director provided a SOM Teamwork coin at the State Emergency Operations Center's (SEOC) Joint Information Center (JIC) during 2025 Cobalt Management in front of international partners for work in ‘saving’ the multi-state exercise. | 02/2022 - SOM Excellence Coin for supporting digital content and the core buildout of the global Michigan.gov pages from scratch | 2020 - 2020 StateScoop 50 awards recipient for State Up & Comer of the Year Award | 08/2019 - DTMB Director’s Coin for work supporting the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund Commission

GSMA Membership Committee member | 2024 - PRESENT

GSMA Council President | 2023 - 2024

GSMA Membership Committee Co-Chair | 2022 - 2024

GSMA Membership Council Northeast Region Council Representative | 2022 - 2024

GSMA Member | 2017 - PRESENT

Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America (CMPRSA) Past President, Executive Committee and Nominations Chair | 2019- 2020

CMPRSA President, Executive Committee and numerous CMPRSA Committees | 2018 - 2019

CMPRSA President-Elect, Membership Chair, Executive and Programming Committees | 2017 - 2018

CMPRSA Secretary, Director At-Large, Programming Chair, Executive and Programming Committees | 2016 - 2017

CMPRSA Director At-Large, Programming Chair and Communications Committee | 2015 - 2016

CMPRSA Director At-Large, Programming Co-Chair and Communications Committee | 2014 - 2015

CMPRSA Programming Committee (Lunch 'N' Learn Facilitator) | 2014

CMPRSA Member | 2014 - 2020

Board of Directors Member, Mid-Michigan Spartans | 2014 - 2016

I believe some of the best ideas in government communications come from learning and collaborating with one another. Throughout my career, I've benefited from the knowledge and support of fellow communicators, and I'd welcome the opportunity to give back by helping others navigate the challenges and opportunities our profession faces. Serving my region would allow me to represent the voices of local government professionals while helping GSMA continue to grow and support its members.

As Assistant Public Information Officer for the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, I oversee the Town's social media strategy and digital communications, managing content across multiple platforms while leading a team of departmental social media administrators. My role includes developing public information campaigns, creating video and digital content, writing for elected officials, supporting media relations, and collaborating with departments across the organization to keep residents informed and engaged. I also help lead the Town's efforts to improve digital accessibility and support emergency communications planning.

If elected, I'll bring a collaborative mindset, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for government communications. I enjoy sharing ideas, learning from others, and helping communicators find practical solutions they can take back to their organizations.

As someone working in local government every day, I understand the challenges we face—from keeping up with evolving social media platforms to creating accessible, engaging content with limited time and resources. I'll bring that real-world perspective to the Council while representing the interests of communicators across our region.

Loudoun 40 Under 40 Recipient, 2022 | Advanced Public Information Officer (APIO) FEMA Certification, December 2024

Staff Liaison, Commission on Public Art | 2019 to current

My name is Nathan Mueller and I’m running for the GSMA Council to represent the Northeast region. Having led strategic communications and digital strategy in local government, I know how vital our work is – and how often it goes unnoticed. I’m running to amplify the critical behind-the-scenes work public communicators do every day, advocate for our region’s needs, and build a strong network for resource-sharing. I’d be honored to represent you!

I serve as a strategic advisor to the Mayor, driving citywide marketing, policy research, and public communication. I lead the Media Division, manage departmental budgeting, and facilitate cross-functional projects, millage campaigns, and major events like the State of the City address. Digital communication is central to my role. I oversee all online content to ensure brand consistency, guide creative direction for the Mayor’s podcast, manage social media updates during crises, and use data analytics to evaluate digital engagement.

Voters should support me because I bring the strategic vision of an executive with the real-world grit of a hands-on digital communicator. Leading local government communications, I’ve mastered high-stakes crisis messaging, policy translation, and creative brand-building. What sets me apart is my ability to bridge executive strategy with everyday digital execution, my fierce commitment to amplifying the essential—and often unseen—work public communicators do, and my passion for practical innovation. From launching podcasts to leveraging data analytics, I know how to transform routine updates into engaging stories. I’ll be an active, dedicated champion for the Northeast!

When I began my career in government social media four years ago, one of the first things I was told to do was start a GSMA membership, and here we are today.  GSMA has created opportunities for personal and professional growth, networking beyond expectations, connections with veteran mentors, and a fellowship of other socialgovs that I never knew existed.  My desire to help others find this fellowship and importance of this organization is what drives me to be a part of the GSMA Council.

Being the primary lead for our social media team at the Pennsylvania Game Commission, I work to develop content calendars and strategic plans for our social media communications. Additionally, I am one of the two team members who create content across six different platforms, 15 total pages, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and Nextdoor. We are currently building towards other platforms as well to allow our agency to reach as many Pennsylvanians as possible.
Our team does everything from create storyboards and shot lists, to filming content, to writing post captions, we are a two-woman team.

Besides the fact that I get to cuddle bear cubs as part of my job, I bring first and foremost, passion for my work to the table.

I consider myself a serial volunteer and thrive on more tasks because as an over-achieving millennial, that's what we do. But in all seriousness, my experience in the private sector and as a former small business owner has allowed me to see social media through multiple facets and can bring that experience to my government work now.

Special skills include being comfortable with a microphone (behind a karaoke speaker or a PowerPoint), wearing hats very well, and rattling off one-liners from Seinfeld, Friends, or The Office... like it's my job.

Best Brand Voice | GSMA Golden Post Awards | May 2026 | 1st Place - Best Use of Humor | Association of Conservation Information Awards | July 2026 | 2nd Place - Best Overall Social Media Presence | Association of Conservation Information Awards | July 2026 | 2nd Place - Best Social Media Campaign | Association of Conservation Information Awards | July 2026 | 2nd Place - Conservation Post of the Year | Association of Conservation Information Awards | July 2025 | 3rd Place - Best Overall Social Media Presence | Association of Conservation Information Awards | July 2025 | Speaker - July 2026 | Association for Conservation Information Conference 2026 - Communicating the Hard Stuff: Navigating Tough Conservation Conversations | Speaker - May 2026 | Governmental Social Media Conference 2026 - Clapback at Misinformation & Responding to Misinformation Roundtable Lead | Speaker - December 2025 | Social Media Strategies Summit: Public Agencies and Government - Trolls VS. Truth: Battling Misinformation Online | Speaker - September 2025 | Furtakers of America: Trapping and Social Media webinar | Speaker - April 2025 | Pennsylvania R3 Summit - Excite, Engage, and Explain: Using the Power of Social Media to Tell Your Story
Association of Conservation Information, Board of Directors | July 2026 - July 2029

I would be honored to serve the Northeast Region because our region plays home to some unique talents that serve some unique areas and some of the largest cities and areas in the country.  Those larger jurisdictions impact so many surrounding jurisdictions, because traditional media might not cover their issues and programs as in-depth, so social and digital media takes its place, which means even if you are a small city or division, you need the support to look big and stand out.  I feel my experience can help represent these members.

Under the overall umbrella of Frederick County Government. My duties as Communications Manager means I am constantly developing messaging for different mediums. Including messaging that works in press releases, physical signage, tours, internally, presentations, and of course social and digital media.

Our current brand of "Edutainment" means incorporating trends and current events, but also making our own waves, continuing to define and grow our voice and messaging, all while posting 2 fresh content pieces per day on at least our Facebook page. This means every year I create and post 150+ unique graphic, text, and video-based posts.

Why should you #VoteForVarga?
I want to build GSMAs' brand. I want GSMA to be the stand out organization and grow into a powerhouse in training, support, and a standard setter.
If elected in my two years, I will advocate for:
-A mentor/mentee program
-A "SME" library where a member could find a subject matter expert who can help explain their social media or digital strategy with stakeholders inside an organization.
-Continued growth of GSMA by brand building and featuring the skills of our members.
-In person and virtual meet ups.
-An accreditation program

I will also use my patience, experience, people first communication style, creativity and humor to represent the N.E.!

Listed as one of the 2026 "Top Local Government Influencers" by the Engaging Local Government Leaders

Girl Scouts Of America, Troop Leader | 2021-Present

I'm Sarah Williams, Communications Coordinator for the City of Huber Heights, Ohio. As a department of one, I've learned that some of the best ideas come from sharing experiences with other government communicators. I'm running to represent the Northeast because I believe we can strengthen collaboration, elevate innovative ideas, and ensure every communicator has a voice. Whether someone works for a major city or a small municipality, we all face many of the same challenges – building trust. I'd be honored to serve the Northeast Region.

I oversee all aspects of the city's communications and public information efforts. My responsibilities include managing social media, media relations, emergency and crisis communications, website content, newsletters, video production, branding, graphic design, public engagement campaigns, and executive communications. Digital communications are at the core of my role, serving as one of the city's primary tools for educating residents, promoting transparency, building trust, and fostering meaningful two-way engagement. Working as a one-person communications office, I collaborate across every city department to develop strategic

I bring a collaborative leadership style, a strategic communications perspective, and a genuine passion for helping fellow government communicators succeed. My experience in both local government and nonprofit leadership has provided me with a broad perspective on building trust, engaging communities, and communicating effectively through both everyday initiatives and high-pressure situations. I'm committed to sharing practical ideas, encouraging thoughtful innovation, and fostering meaningful connections across our profession. I will be an active and approachable advocate who listens, collaborates, and communicates, ensuring organizations of every size feel represented and supported.

WiBN's 2018 Top 25 Women to Watch (WiBN-BBB Dayton/Miami Valley) | 2016 Commitment to Excellence Award for Leadership: Guiding the Ship (Community Development Professionals) | 2015 Outstanding Nonprofit Leader (Wright State University) | 2015 40 Under 40 Winner (Dayton Business Journal)

Government Social Media Association, member | 2022-current

Public Relations Society of America, member | 2024-current

3CMA, member | 2024-current

ICMA, member | 2026-current

Women In Business Networking, member & Advisory Board Member | 2012-current

Y at the Heights, Advisory Board Member | 2022-current

Springboro Band Boosters, Vice President of Operations | 2023-2026

Association of Certified Nonprofit Professionals, President | 2022-2024

Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, Steering Committee Member | 2021-2024