Saddle Up and Take It Home: Five Voices from TAMIO 2025
From planning tools to accessibility overhauls, here’s what stuck with five local gov communicators, and how they’re turning lessons into action.
The TAMIO Conference is always part professional recharge, part pep rally. This year’s theme—Saddle Up—fit perfectly (and totally on brand for Fort Worth). From the opening keynote to the final breakout, the message was clear: This work is hard, and it’s time to ride toward it, not away from it. And, you can still have some fun along the way.
So, I asked a handful of new and longtime TAMIO friends to share what stuck with them and what they’re taking back to their cities. Below are five snapshots from across the state: insights, takeaways, even a few brave next steps. I’ve added a few of my own thoughts, too.
Tatiana Salazar — City of Lockhart
Tatiana Salazar runs a one-person communications shop in a growing community that’s home to some of the best barbecue in the Lone Star State. Her TAMIO experience was equal parts validation and motivation, from the chaos of crisis comms to the clarity of good planning.
What small change are you planning to make?
“I’m definitely going to look into a project management platform, even though I’m only a team of one. Sometimes it’s hard to keep yourself accountable and on track, especially when you’re a one-person department.”
If you could re-attend one session or panel, which one would it be—and why?
“I would re-attend ‘When Cities Go Viral (And Not in a Good Way)’. Mostly, it was so entertaining (sorry, not sorry). Victor Reta definitely had us on the edge of our seats.
“More importantly, I think it reminded us:
Some of our ‘scandals’ could be a lot worse.
If Victor can handle scandal after scandal, we can handle ours.
We need consistent and positive messaging to residents during the ’blue sky days.’
And it’s OK to say we screwed up.”
In five words or fewer: What does great government communication need more of right now?
Diverse voices and digestible information!
👢 My take: Tatiana’s note on “blue sky days” is a lesson more cities should remember. If you wait to build trust until the storm hits, it’s already too late.
Lindsay Francis — City of Temple
Fresh off a well-deserved promotion to Assistant Director, Lindsay Francis helped lead one of my favorite sessions at TAMIO, on internal communications. Temple had a big showing at the TAMI awards this year, but Lindsay’s most meaningful moment came at the front of a breakout room, walking peers through the behind-the-scenes work her team has been quietly refining for years.
What moment from TAMIO will stick with you the longest?
“Presenting on internal communications with Heather Bates and Ambrie Dunn! We’ve worked hard to build out our internal processes, and getting to share that journey with others was a huge honor.
“Having our team there to cheer us on—and getting thoughtful questions from fellow gov comms folks—was the kind of moment that really sticks with you.”
What did TAMIO confirm that you already suspected was true?
“Accessibility is everything. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle, but TAMIO was a great reminder that our work is ultimately about people, not platforms.
It’s not just about getting information out. We have the great privilege and responsibility to serve our community—and that means making sure everyone has access to the information in a way they can actually use.”
What small change are you planning to make because of something you learned?
“We’re updating our forms to include a ‘Text, Call, or Email’ preferred communication option. Meeting people where they are doesn’t just start with messaging—it starts with listening.”
What bigger, scarier change are you now considering?
“Thanks to keynote speaker Rocky Garza, I’m challenging the lies I’ve been telling myself that hold me back from being a stronger leader.
“His message was a refreshing reminder that we all carry doubts professionally and outside of work. But we’re also capable, worthy, and doing better than we think.”
Who or what gets your unofficial TAMIO MVP award?
“The keynote speakers! Usually keynotes feel a little ‘one-size-fits-all,’ but this year’s lineup really understood the unique challenges we face in government communications and leadership.
“They left me feeling seen, inspired, and ready to do the work.”
In five words or fewer: What does great government communication need more of right now?
Empathy. Clarity. Courage. (And coffee.)
👢My take: Lindsay’s spotlight on internal communication is spot-on for high performing organizations, and her attention to accessibility and leadership mindset shows what modern government comms should look like: intentional, inclusive, and grounded in service. (You can expect a future GGF post based on their presentation.)
Jeff Newpher — City of Granbury
Jeff Newpher’s the kind of seasoned pro who makes you smarter just by bouncing ideas around with him, which I’ve had the pleasure of doing while figuring out GGF Office Hours. (And thanks to everyone who turned out for the last one!) At TAMIO, his reflections hit a range of tones, from valet frustrations to insights about awards, leadership, and internal comms strategy.
What moment from TAMIO will stick with you the longest?
“Initially? People who manage valet parking need to have a customer surge plan.”
What did TAMIO confirm that you already suspected was true?
“When it comes to creating and submitting contest award-winning entries, a very small percentage of the membership know and follow the winning techniques. Few entities with multiple wins again confirm that.”
What small change are you planning to make because of something you learned?
“A thought I had going into the conference—I need to be more proactive with getting my City Manager to contribute something in the internal communication messaging—was confirmed.”
In five words or fewer: What does great government communication need more of right now?
“More face-to-face listening.”
👢My take: Jeff’s right. Getting leadership voices into internal comms isn’t just good practice, it’s culture-shaping. And his push for in-person listening is a reminder that not everything meaningful fits in an email.
Abby Aldrich — City of Bedford
Abby Aldrich brings energy, humility, and a solid instinct for what clicks with the public—she’s part of one of the best small comms shops in the state. Her TAMIO reflections blend heart and strategy, with a few well-deserved shoutouts and one very important takeaway: if you’re not putting more dogs in your content, what are you even doing?
What did TAMIO confirm that you already suspected was true?
“This organization is just as much about the people as it is the work. The friendships and connections I’ve made through TAMIO have helped strengthen my work, expand my perspective, and created a support system I didn’t know I needed.
“Things can change in an instant, and having peers who get it—who can offer advice, encouragement, or just a listening ear—is a game-changer. I have a group text with several colleagues from different cities that goes off multiple times a week. These connections go far beyond the conference!”
What bigger, scarier change are you now considering?
“It’s been in the back of our minds for some time, but we’re going to crack down on website accessibility and making sure we can reach more folks in our community. Meryl Evans’ keynote (on disability inclusion) put a lot into perspective.
“It’s going to be a process, but ensuring our content is accessible to everyone isn’t just important—it’s necessary.”
Who or what gets your unofficial TAMIO MVP award?
“My unofficial MVP award goes to your TAMIO President, Molly Fox! The amount of time, energy, and heart she’s poured into this conference and organization over the last year is nothing short of extraordinary.”
What’s one idea you’re stealing (shamelessly or with credit)?
“I don’t know if it’s technically an idea yet, but I’ll be creating a lot more social media content with dogs. IYKYK.”
👢My take: Abby reminds us that comms isn’t a solo sport. Connection fuels creativity and community keeps you going when the inbox gets loud. Ditto on Molly Fox for VIP! Also, more dogs. Seriously.
Cindee Sharp — City of Horseshoe Bay
Cindee Sharp and I go way back: blood, sweat, and literal tears back. We met training for a marathon that doubled as my coping mechanism (read: mid-life crisis) for turning 50. Today, she’s tackling an entirely new kind of endurance test: local government communications. This was her first TAMIO conference.
What moment from TAMIO will stick with you the longest?
“Meryl Evans’ keynote was very impactful. I left that feeling like I have a lot to learn and that I should learn it as quickly as possible.”
If you could re-attend one session or panel, which one would it be—and why?
“I would have liked to learn more about emergency management/preparedness training and how to begin that process.”
What small change are you planning to make because of something you learned?
“I’ve avoided video in my new role, but after attending the Content Cowboy session (by Dustin Dangli), I feel better equipped to take that on.”
What bigger, scarier change are you now considering?
“Pursuing the FEMA emergency management PIO training!”
👢My take: I’ve watched Cindee run literal marathons; she’ll do just fine navigating crisis comms and content creation. The courage to admit what you don’t know yet is what makes a great professional communicator.
🤠 Wrapping Up: Lessons, Leadership, and the Long Ride Ahead
If TAMIO 2025 reminded us of anything, it’s that great communication isn’t just about messaging. It’s about momentum. Whether you’re a team of one or part of an award-winning crew, the ride gets easier when you’re surrounded by peers who push, encourage, and inspire.
A big thank you to the TAMIO Board for pulling off a conference that balanced big thinking with real-world takeaways—and a special shoutout to Jay Warren from Arlington, who took home this year’s top individual honor. Jay’s steady, visionary leadership helped shape TAMIO into what it is today: one of the best professional networks in local government, period.
To everyone who shared their takeaways and stories, thank you. Saddle up and keep going. We’ve got work to do.
Onward and Upward.