S5 - E34: Jennifer Hillman PIO Thompson Valley EMS, CO

Summary In this episode, Robert Tornabene interviews Jennifer Hillmann, the Director of Communications for Thompson Valley EMS. Jennifer shares her journey into the field of communications, her experiences as a public information officer (PIO), and the importance of calm communication during crises. She discusses the role of social media in emergency management, the integration of AI tools in communications, and the future of PIOs in a tech-savvy world. Jennifer emphasizes the need for effective communication in various industries and the misconceptions surrounding the PIO role. The conversation concludes with key takeaways and advice for aspiring communicators.

Jennifer's BIO Jennifer Hillmann serves as the Public Information Officer and Executive Director of Communications for Thompson Valley EMS, where she leads all facets of internal and external communications, crisis response, public relations, and community engagement. With more than two decades of experience spanning local, state, and federal government, Jennifer is a recognized leader in emergency communications, public affairs strategy, and organizational messaging.

Jennifer has managed communications during some of Colorado’s most complex emergencies, including the High Park Fire, the 2013 floods, ice storms/blizzards, and COVID-19 during the 2020 Census. As a FEMA-certified PIO and instructor of G290/G291 courses, she has trained hundreds of emergency communication professionals in public information protocols. Her work has also earned her several honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Distinguished Service Award for excellence in disaster communications.