Just when you thought it was safe to go home, the phone rings, and your weekend plans are about to change. Your agency is in crisis, and you are hearing about it for the first time from a reporter.
If that sounds familiar, you know firsthand what happens when communications isn’t being leveraged strategically. Leadership makes better-informed decisions about policy and programs when communications is at the table from the start, but far too often in government, the PIO is among the last to know. It can be downright terrifying.

This session offers PIOs the ultimate survival guide. We’ll share a masterclass on how to elevate communications as a leadership function and include actionable steps PIOs can take to position themselves as trusted strategic advisors. The presentation also includes real-world horror stories, tips, and tools. We’ll also save time for audience members to ask questions, share experiences, and best practices.

Speaker: Kelly Vance

Kelly Vance is the principal at VANCE, a strategic communications firm based in Richmond, Virginia. For more than 25 years, Kelly has served as a trusted advisor to mission-driven organizations, guiding leadership through some of the most complex and sensitive issues in public life. Her award-winning work has been recognized nationally by PRSA, Ragan’s PR Daily, and PR News.

Prior to joining the private sector, Kelly served as Deputy Director of Communications for the Virginia Department of Health, leading responses to high-profile emergencies and outbreaks.
A former Peace Corps volunteer, Kelly taught a master class on American media and journalism at Moscow State University of International Relations.

Kelly holds a B.A. in Communications from UNC Charlotte and is an active member of the National Government Communicators Association and PRSA Counselors Academy.