In the News

The Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC) is pleased to share the winners of the 2026 MAGC Northern Lights Contest. Click here to view the gallery of all entries that received a Bronze, Silver, or Northern Lights award at the Northern Lights Award Ceremony on Wednesday, July 17.


MAGC also recognized the recipients of this year's Special Achievement Awards, which recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond in the field of government communications.

Communicator of the Year - Jason Egerstrom, City of Woodbury

With more than 20 years of public service, Jason serves as the City of Woodbury's primary media contact, consistently delivering clear, accurate, and unbiased information that strengthens public trust.

Over the past year, Jason played a critical role in communicating complex and high-profile initiatives, including the City's water treatment plant construction and e-transportation safety. His thoughtful messaging has helped the City navigate challenging and evolving issues. As a leader of the City's AI project management team, he brings together department directors and other city leaders in Woodbury to ensure alignment of the team around the role that AI will play in the city. He has taken the lead in putting together a draft of AI guidelines for the team's review and will develop a strategic communication plan on the event.

Jason is well known among colleagues for his sharp attention to detail and calm, deliberate approach, Jason is often a go-to advisor across the organization, offering guidance, supporting colleagues and going above and beyond to ensure the City communicates with clarity, credibility, and purpose.

New Communications Professional - Cynthia Moua, City of Brooklyn Park

Cynthia joined the rest of Brooklyn Park's Communication Division in responding as terror unfolded on June 14, 2025. Minnesota Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, had been killed, along with their golden retriever, Gilbert. Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette had been critically injured and were en route to the hospital. A gunman was on the loose, and a manifesto had been discovered. When called upon, Cynthia sprang into action, and went through the proverbial trial by fire during the hours and days following the Hortman assassination. 

Cynthia's nominator shared that "[they] marvel at the level of professionalism and bravery she showed stepping into the role of Communications Lead of the Brooklyn Park JIC for such a large and complex event. She managed up, down, and across, ensuring information was shared to the right people, in the right order, and at the right time."

Outside of crisis events, Cynthia is a highly reliable, professional, and all-around fantastic person to work with both as a colleague and as a communications expert. Cynthia isn't one to push and jostle for her space in the sun, but translating emergency information from English into Hmong, speechwriting, responding to reporters, and standing up for what's right in the face of highly activated colleagues can't go ignored. Her nominator concluded: "I'm fully confident I will be saying "I knew her when" someday as she continues to make a name for herself in Minnesota's communications community."

Scott Pengelly Lifetime Achievement Award - Joyce Lorenz, City of Eden Prairie

Joyce's 20-year tenure with the City of Eden Prairie reflects not just longevity, but sustained excellence, leadership and impact in a field that has continuously transformed. 

When Joyce began her career, government communications centered on newsletters and press releases. Today, it's a fast-moving, digital-first environment that demands constant awareness, strategic thinking and adaptability. Through every stage of that evolution, Joyce hasn't just kept pace--she has led the way.

Joyce has ensured Eden Prairie remains ahead of trends and meaningfully connected to its residents. From building and sustaining a best-in-class website that now serves more than 60,000 annual users, to championing early two-way engagement on social media, to growing a 45,000 subscriber base that enables timely, direct communication with most households--her work has strengthened the City's connection with its community

Joyce has also driven meaningful, measurable improvements behind the scenes. She established brand standards that ensure consistency across departments, modernized internal communications through a reimagined intranet, and improved newsletter readership while reducing costs by thousands of dollars annually. She also championed plain language and accessibility standards, and led the development of AI policies and project management systems--tools that continue to keep work inclusive, strategic and aligned with organizational priorities.

Beyond Eden Prairie, Joyce is a trusted mentor and collaborator across the region, generously sharing her expertise and elevating the profession.

Joyce's leadership has strengthened her organization, improved the resident experience and created a legacy that will benefit Eden Prairie for years to come. She has not only shaped how Eden Prairie communicates--she has set a standard others strive to follow.

Congratulations to our Special Achievement Award winners and all of the winners in this year's Northern Lights Contest!