Williamson County's Public Affairs department has snagged two 2024 Awards of Excellence from the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO), a recognition that underscores its dedication to keeping the public engaged and well-informed through strategic communication efforts. The awards, one for a social media campaign aimed to recruit 911 telecommunicators, and another for informing voters about a bond election, demonstrate the county's skillful use of varied communications channels to reach and influence the citizens it serves.
A statement from County Judge Bill Gravell highlighted the strategic importance of communication within the county's operations, "Communicating with our residents and stakeholders is a top priority for Williamson County. It is a key goal in our strategic plan. Our Public Affairs staff does a tremendous job to keep the public informed, and we are honored to have their efforts recognized on a national level," Gravell said, according to a press release. The campaign for Emergency Communications was particularly successful, boosting applicant numbers by a notable 25 percent from one hiring period to the next.
On the voter education front, Williamson’s campaign for the November 2023 bond election was multi-faceted and far-reaching, embracing a mix of media releases, interviews, and digital content to secure voter approval for Propositions A and B, with over 70 percent in favor of road and park bonds, respectively. The comprehensive approach to voter engagement exemplifies how the county leverages its Public Affairs team's expertise to navigate complex civic processes effectively.
Jennifer Finch, President of NACIO, praised the winners for their impressive work, "At NACIO, we are honored to recognize the exceptional talents of our Awards of Excellence winners. Your innovative approaches, compelling storytelling and dedication to your profession is commendable,” she said. "These awards celebrate your achievements and underscore the impact of your work in shaping effective and meaningful communication. Congratulations for your outstanding contributions and for setting an example for others to follow."
NACIO, as a key affiliate of the National Association of Counties (NACo), serves to highlight the crucial role played by professional public information officers and communicators in county governments across the nation. They also contribute their expertise to national contests and conferences, furthering the communication capabilities of county governments.
