Joe has a passion for telling the stories of those who make a community vibrant: the plow operator, the city hall clerk, the local grocer, or the long-time resident. Joe has worked in communication for nearly three decades. He started his career as a reporter for WRTI-FM, Temple University's radio station. He bounced around the Midwest in various TV reporting jobs, then transitioned to policy communications, crafting messaging for think tanks and associations. Joe has been with the City of Maplewood since 2017.
How long have you been a member of MAGC?
9 years!
What's your favorite MAGC-related memory?
Mike Veech's keynote at the Annual Conference in 2019. It was all about creativity, and brainstorming. Oh, and it was FUN!
What's something you wish you knew when you started working in government communications?
It's a little ironic. If I started working in government earlier in my career, I would not have gained the experience in journalism, messaging, and organizational leadership that makes me an asset today. But had I started earlier, I'd be in a much better position to retire before 80 years old. Ha!
What's your favorite communications tool?
Using people who are already trusted in my community to carry out our messaging.
What was your first job (communications-related or not)?
At 12 years old, I handed out flyers promoting night clubs at the Jersey Shore.
How long have you been a member of MAGC?
9 years!
What's your favorite MAGC-related memory?
Mike Veech's keynote at the Annual Conference in 2019. It was all about creativity, and brainstorming. Oh, and it was FUN!
What's something you wish you knew when you started working in government communications?
It's a little ironic. If I started working in government earlier in my career, I would not have gained the experience in journalism, messaging, and organizational leadership that makes me an asset today. But had I started earlier, I'd be in a much better position to retire before 80 years old. Ha!
What's your favorite communications tool?
Using people who are already trusted in my community to carry out our messaging.
What was your first job (communications-related or not)?
At 12 years old, I handed out flyers promoting night clubs at the Jersey Shore.
