From Nonprofit to Government (with Shara Dee) | Ground Floor Government Ep. 134

Summary

In this episode, Hugh Plappert interviews Shara Dee, the first communications officer for South Portland, Maine. They discuss the unexpected opportunities in local government communications, Shara’s journey from nonprofit to municipal work, and the challenges of building a communications office from scratch. The conversation covers the balance between proactive and reactive communication strategies, the importance of engaging the community through creative content, and the unique challenges of communicating with diverse audiences. Shara shares her passion for community engagement and offers advice for those considering a career in local government.

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Takeaways

1. Many careers start in corporate or nonprofit sectors before transitioning to local government.
2. Shara Dee’s background in photography and theater influenced her communication style.
3. Building relationships with department heads is crucial for effective communication.
4. The growth of government communicators in Maine has fostered collaboration.
5. Balancing B2C and B2B communication is essential for economic development.
6. Proactive communication is prioritized, but reactive communication is also necessary.
7. Creative content can significantly engage the community.
8. Limited resources require innovative solutions in local government communications.
9. Communicating effectively with diverse audiences is a key challenge.
10. Passion for community service drives professionals in local government.

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