Shows
The PIO PodcastS5 - E28: Sam Toles - Civic SocialSend us a textEpisode Summary: In this conversation, Sam Toles from Civic Social discusses the innovative approach of empowering Public Information Officers (PIOs) in local governments to effectively engage with their communities through social media. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, strategic planning, and the need for a modern approach to communication that resonates with younger audiences. Toles shares insights on navigating social media algorithms, the significance of platforms like TikTok, and the pitfalls of relying on traditional marketing strategies and style guides. The discussion highlights the transformative potential of social media in public...2025-07-231h 01
The PIO PodcastS5 - E27: Amy Maxwell, PIO Hamilton County Office of Emergency ManagementSend us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Amy Maxwell, the public relations manager for the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Amy shares her journey from working in cardiology to emergency management, detailing her responsibilities as the sole public information officer. She discusses her daily tasks, including managing social media, community engagement, and crisis communication. Amy also highlights the importance of weather radios, the adoption of new alert systems, and her passion for photography and the use of AI in emergency services. The conversation...2025-07-1625 min
The PIO PodcastS5 - E25: Jamie Sacco, PIO, City of ShawneeSend us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Jamie Sacco, the Public Information Officer for Shawnee, Oklahoma. Jamie shares her journey from working in news to becoming a PIO, discussing her role's unique challenges and opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement, effective communication strategies, and the need for a proactive approach in addressing local issues such as homelessness and the opioid crisis. Jamie also highlights the significance of crisis communication and the use of technology in her work, including social media and emergency alert systems...2025-07-0233 min
The PIO PodcastS5 - E24: Juliet Casey, Director of Marketing -Los Medanos College, Pittsburgh, CASend us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode, Robert Tornabene interviews Juliet Casey, the Director of Marketing and Media Design at Los Medanos College. They discuss Juliet's transition from journalism to public information, the importance of accuracy and accountability in communication, and the impact of community engagement. Juliet shares her experiences in recruitment strategies for community colleges, the challenges faced in public information roles, and her thoughts on the role of AI in communication. The conversation emphasizes the significance of effective messaging and the need for public information officers to maintain high standards in...2025-06-2530 min
The PIO PodcastS5 - E20: Carolina Montelongo, Public Relations Coordinator, Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Tampa, FLSend us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Carolina Montelongo, the Public Relations Coordinator for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Carolina shares her journey from journalism to becoming a Public Information Officer (PIO), emphasizing the importance of community engagement, especially within the Hispanic community. She discusses the structure of the Sheriff's Office, the role of PIOs, and the strategies used for crisis communication. Carolina also highlights her initiative, CACO News, to provide reliable information to the Latino community. The conversation concludes with her recognition as the Hispanic...2025-05-1430 min
The PIO PodcastS5 - E19 : Italia Tornabene - EntrepreneurSend us a textAuthor, life coach, entrepreneur, founder of Tornabene Wine, Miss New York 2022. Baxter Learns to Save (Amazon)https://tornabenewines.comSupport the showOur 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.2025-05-0742 min
The PIO PodcastS5 - E18: Dawn Small, Strategic Communications Manager, Aurora Fire Rescue, Aurora, COSend us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Dawn Small, the strategic communications manager for Aurora Fire Rescue. Dawn shares her journey from public relations agencies to the fire service, highlighting her experiences and the changes she aims to implement in communications. The conversation delves into the importance of community engagement, the role of social media, and the daily responsibilities of a PIO in a busy fire department. Dawn emphasizes the need for strategic planning and collaboration with media to communicate safety messages and improve public education...2025-04-3038 min
The PIO PodcastS5 - E17: Rick Rice, Public Information Officer, Asheville Police Department, Asheville, NCSend us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Rick Rice, the public information officer for the Asheville Police Department. They discuss Rick's background in radio, the challenges they faced during Hurricane Helene, and the launch of the APD Pod Squad podcast aimed at improving community engagement. Rick shares insights on managing misinformation during the crisis and the importance of clear communication. The conversation also touches on using AI in public information strategies and reflections on the podcast's impact on the community.Rick's BIO: Rick...2025-04-2331 min
The PIO PodcastS5 - E12 Hollie Stark - Outreach Program Manager, Washington Emergency Management DivisionSend us a textEpisode Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Holly Stark, Outreach Program Manager with the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Holly shares her journey from journalism to emergency management, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in building trust and empathy within communities. She discusses how effective communication can enhance disaster preparedness and the role of public information officers in conveying critical information. Holly also highlights the need for consistency in messaging to foster public trust and engagement.Hollie's Bio -...2025-03-1939 min
The PIO PodcastS5 - E9: Summer Derrey - Assistant Communications Manager, South Central Region - Washington State Department of TransportationSend us a textSummary - In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Summer DeRay, an experienced Public Information Officer (PIO) with a rich background in communications and community engagement. Summer shares her journey from working in newsrooms to her current role at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). She discusses the importance of building relationships with local tribes, the evolution of social media in public information, and the significance of community engagement. Summer also emphasizes the need for self-care among PIOs to prevent burnout and shares her success stories in...2025-02-2628 min
The PIO PodcastS5 - E8: Donna Rossi - Director of Communications - Phoenix Police Department, Phoenix, AZSend us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Donna Rossi, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Phoenix Police Department. Donna shares her unique journey from being a police officer to a broadcast journalist and leading the Public Affairs Bureau. The conversation covers the current staffing challenges the Phoenix PD faces, the importance of crisis communication, and the innovative strategies being implemented to enhance community relations and transparency. Donna emphasizes the need for collaboration between sworn and civilian staff and discusses the significance of internal communications within t...2025-02-1933 min
The PIO PodcastSeason 4 Finale with Robert TornabeneSend us a textIn our season finale, we highlight the 10 most listened-to episodes of 2024. 1 S4 - E6 Alexa Boylon, Director of Communications, Indianapolis Metro PD2 S4 - E1 Kayla Gneck Smith, PIO Tempe PD3 S4 - E2 Jesse Carr, PIO Dallas PD4 S4 - E4 Julie Mann, PIO Kane County Government, Kane Cty Illinois 5 S4 - E40 Captain Jon Vick, PIO Lawrence County Sheriff's Office6 S4 - E 39 Kristi Jourdan, PIO Contra Costa County Government, CA 7 s4 - E22 Chief of Police Christopher Cook. Chief, Whitesettlement PD, TX8 s4...2024-12-0423 minThe PIO PodcastRobert Tornabene with a Thanksgiving MessageSend us a textThe host of the PIO Podcast wants to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday!Support the showOur 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.2024-11-2700 minThe PIO PodcastSeason 3 Wrap up with Robert TornabeneSend us a textIn this episode, I take some excerpts from our guests throughout the year and highlight them. We also have podcast statistics. See you in early 2024. Support the showOur 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.2023-11-0127 min
The PIO PodcastRobert Tornabene - Building Bridges, Not BarriersSend us a textResults-driven Public Relations Professional with a proven track record in managing public information, marketing campaigns, and community outreach initiatives. Strong expertise in media relations, crisis communications, and strategic planning. Demonstrates exceptional writing skills and the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders. Committed to achieving organizational goals through impactful communication strategies.roberttornabene@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/robert-tornabene Support the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio2023-08-3015 min
The PIO PodcastS3 - Episode 1 - Captain Sheronda Grant, Milwaukee Police DepartmentSend us a textCaptain Sheronda Grant is a proud Milwaukee native who grew up in the 53206 area. Shortly after graduating from Hamilton High School, she was hired by the Milwaukee Police Department as a police aide in 2001. After graduating from the Police Academy, she was assigned to District 4 as a patrol officer. As an officer, Captain Grant became a state-certified law enforcement instructor trained in Professional Communications, Defense and Arrest Tactics, Emergency Vehicle Operations, and Vehicle Contacts. She also became a field training officer, specialized in undercover operations, and at one point was the sole recruiting...2023-01-1832 min