From Sportscaster to Public Servant (with John Bernstrom) | Ground Floor Government Ep. 107

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews John Bernstrom, the Public Information Officer for Grand Forks, North Dakota. John shares his journey from being a sportscaster to working in local government, highlighting the evolution of communication methods, especially with the rise of social media. He discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of building relationships in government communication, and the various career opportunities available in local government. John emphasizes the need for transparency and honesty in communication, as well as the significance of collaboration across departments to achieve goals despite budget constraints.

Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions

Takeaways

1. John Bernstrom transitioned from sportscasting to local government.
2. The rise of social media has transformed government communication.
3. Crisis management skills are essential in public information roles.
4. Building relationships is crucial for effective communication in government.
5. Transparency and honesty are key in dealing with the public.
6. COVID-19 presented unique challenges for government communication.
7. There are diverse career opportunities in local government.
8. Budget constraints require creativity and collaboration.
9. Public engagement is vital for successful communication strategies.
10. Effective communication involves understanding the needs of various stakeholders.

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