Fairfax County Park Authority
Judy Pedersen
Public Information Officer
Fairfax County Park Authority
Fairfax
Virginia
Written > Written - Writer's Portfolio
Judith Pedersen Writer's Portfolio
Fairfax County Park Authority
Judy Pedersen

A Public Information Officer must sometimes function as a generalist, able to write a wide variety of informative communication pieces for different audiences, often on deadline and frequently dealing with either too much information or insufficient resources. Finding balance is key; and the selections included in this nomination demonstrate the breadth and depth of the daily communications challenges; the need to be flexible and pivot quickly, to become an “expert” on many topics and to be adept at turning raw information into compelling communications. The goal is to share information quickly, and accurately.
Each audience was unique; some internal, some external and the products illustrate the ability to reach a large, diverse audience with compelling copy. Audiences include potential job applicants, park stakeholders, volunteers, park users, employees and magazine subscribers seeking specific information on park programs and initiatives. Therein lies the inimitable challenge.
This Writer’s Portfolio illustrates the diversity of topics, and products that Public Information Officers routinely produce. They illustrate how important it is to adapt to the task at hand, especially during turbulent times. PIOs write to the emerging needs of the day, and that skill is more valuable than ever. We often write on deadline. Each product reached their intended audience as anticipated; some read by tens of thousands in magazines and on the web, others focusing on the communication needs of staff, and others geared to a small niche audience of job seekers.
Choosing just a few illustrative pieces was difficult. Everyday requires that I write and in one year’s time there were speeches, COVID-19 fact sheets, web content, blogs, releases and a host of other written materials. I have a passion for the written word. Writing is cathartic; but time is always too short. In totality, side-by-side with the work of colleagues via many platforms the public benefits through provision of clear, accurate information. That’s what I do, and collectively we take great pride in increased readership, an informed public and support for our park system. In short, it works.
I am pleased to have received this recognition. As I close my career with the Fairfax County Park Authority I have been blessed with an opportunity to communicate on topics of great import; the environment, advocacy for parks and green spaces, fitness and accessibility for all. It’s been a blast.