Fellow NIOA Member,
I wanted to take a moment to welcome you (or welcome you back) to one of the greatest professional organizations that I have been associated with. The National Information Officers Association (NIOA) was organized in 1989 when a group of professional information officers had a desire to form an organization of likeminded individuals to come together on a national level to train together, network and form friendships. Thirty five years later, NIOA is over 1,000 members strong and we keep growing.
It is my honor and privilege to serve as the President of this outstanding organization along with a great board of directors who do a tremendous job every year working behind the scenes taking care of the business of NIOA and planning our annual conference. Our region directors work tirelessly throughout the year keeping their members informed of NIOA updates and are a valuable resource for networking assistance and crisis management.
As public information officers, or whatever your official title may be, we often times are the person behind the scenes managing a crisis, drafting a message for the boss, creating a crafty report or standing behind the microphones as your departments spokesperson. Many of us are a PIO shop of one or two if you are lucky and training and networking is key to your success and that is why I have been a member and advocate for NIOA.
Since my first conference many years ago I have made friendships from literally all over the country and many of those I talk to on a regular basis and they have helped me through some tough professional and personal times. I want to encourage you to form a circle of PIO friends near and far who you can connect with not just during a crisis but throughout the year. Networking is just as valuable as training!
Our Executive Board along with your Regional Directors are very excited about what this next year has in store for the members of NIOA. As we continue to grow we want to ensure that we are offering something for every member. From training opportunities, networking events and new ideas, the future is bright for the National Information Officers Association. Do not hesitate to reach out to me, your executive board or your region director should you need anything from NIOA. Keep sharing your story.
Sincerely,
Stewart Smith
President, National Information Officers Association
Troup County Sheriff’s Office