Public-sector communicators study with TCU faculty each summer as part of the Certified Public Communicator® program, and this summer the program launches a new partnership. TCU’s School of Strategic Communication signed an agreement with the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) in February at a national meeting in Washington, D.C. The county communicators group will join the program’s founding partner, the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers. Both groups will serve to advise the program, ensuring that the certificate program continues to meet the needs of public-sector communicators. “The program is the only continuing education opportunity in the nation that is geared specifically for local government public relations professionals,” said NACIO President Todd McGee, who is also public relations director for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. “Many local governments pay consultants thousands of dollars to develop a comprehensive communications plan, so the program more than pays for itself.” McGee provided leadership for the partnership after reaching out to CPC faculty in 2013. “We’ve already enjoyed working with one NACIO member currently in the program,” said Jacqueline Lambiase, a program co-director at TCU. “Up until now, we’ve had an informal and productive partnership with the group through webinars and other discussion. It’s nice to make it official.” A partner of the program enters into a reciprocal relationship with the CPC Advisory Board and TCU’s School of Strategic Communication in these ways:
- Provides at least one partial scholarship to a NACIO member each year;
- Helps its members learn more about the program through meetings, webinars and email;
- Allows program faculty to speak at national/regional meetings; and
- Gains a place for a representative on the Certified Public Communicator Advisory Board.
The Certified Public Communicator® Program at TCU offers leadership training and rigorous post-baccalaureate education for public information managers and communication professionals working for cities, counties, school districts, and other public and public-private agencies and organizations. The program encompasses the complexities, challenges, and importance of public communication to citizens and stakeholders. This summer’s program is scheduled for the last week of July. For more information, visit certifiedpubliccommunicator.org.