
Gaston County has something to brag about this week, as its "Savvy Citizen" podcast received top honors at a national conference. The City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) recognized the innovative work of the Gaston County at its annual awards ceremony in Las Vegas, where they handed out 94 first-place "Savvy" awards from over 1,100 entries.
The "Savvy Citizen" podcast, a project led by Communications Director Adam Gaub and Process Improvement Director Janet Schafer, distinguished itself among the numerous entries, making Gaston County one of only five North Carolina recipients of this prestigious accolade. According to a statement obtained by Gaston County, judges praised the show for being a "professional product with authentic voices, which made it so easy to listen to."
Not just an inside look at county government, the podcast also shines a light on community nonprofits and impactful local residents. The winning team includes Budget Coordinator Elizabeth McGee and Public Engagement Manager Gavin Stewart as hosts, with Creative Services Manager Joshua Braswell as executive producer, and Digital Media Manager Barry Martin in charge of editing. Kudos to them, since this is not the first time Gaston County has been recognized; it's their third Savvy Award, marking the fourth year they've been honored by 3CMA.
Since its inception in fall 2020, "Savvy Citizen" has consistently engaged listeners with its weekly releases. Now with over 250 episodes, the podcast has become a fixture for those interested in the workings of Gaston County.









