PITT COUNTY GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST
February 20, 2017 was my hire date for my current position as Public Information Specialist. My position supports the Director of Public Information and Media Relations in all mission areas to achieve the public relations objectives of Pitt County Government. Duties include: assisting with video, audio, and presentation production, designing and producing print publications, gathering, interpreting, and disseminating information, communicating County policies and issues to the media and citizens both verbally and in written form, and performing any general administrative duties necessary to inform citizens of Pitt County programs, issues, events, and accomplishments.
The image pictured above was taken in the Pitt County Emergency Operations Center in the County office building. The event was a press conference to launch the PulsePoint mobile application. The PulsePoint mobile app alerts CPR-trained bystanders to someone nearby having a sudden cardiac arrest that my require CPR. Local media such as WITN, The Daily Reflector as well as WNCT were invited to attend to discuss community benefits this investment will entail. I was the photographer behind this image. I also designed the 2 pull up banners and signage for the Emergency Operations Center. The Signage was made out of up-cycled DOT signs.
Photographer: Carla Hanson
Emergency Management
In addition to my graphic design job tasks, this job requires me to go out into the field and take photo journalistic images to document important public events for the County. Pitt County Emergency Management consists of four divisions:
911 Communications
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Fire Marshal
Local Emergency Planning
Services
Pitt County Emergency Management maintains a computerized registry for people with special medical needs. Serving as the coordinating agency for emergency response in the event of a disaster, Emergency Management maintains plans for coping with emergencies such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and nuclear accidents. The department works closely with the County and municipal fire departments and rescue squads.
Emergency Management also enforces the Fire Prevention Code and conducts regular fire inspection programs of all businesses and places of assembly. Emergency Management staff members work closely with state and local law enforcement agencies to combat arson and unlawful burning. Emergency Management responds to all incidents involving hazardous materials. Information regarding fire, emergency medical safety, and natural disasters is available. Additionally, EM issues permits required for fireworks displays and permits required for the open burning of any vegetation.
Information Source www.pittcountync.gov/EM
(Front center green shirt - 911 Communications Deputy Director Jimmy Hodges, to his right, County Manager Scott Elliott, to the left of Hodges, Commissioner Mary Perkins-Williams.)
Photographer: Carla Hanson
Back up 911 Center Ribbon Cutting
Pictured above is a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Pitt County backup 911 Center. This is the second location for the county while the current center is located in the County office administrative building. In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in 2016, it was decided there was a need to invest in creating a backup center to aide in any future community emergencies.
Front and Back 4" x 9" checklist rack cards developed for Emergency Management and shared during Hurricane Preparedness week. Both English and Spanish versions were developed.
Photographer: Carla Hanson
Hurricane Preparedness - Checklist
Every year there are nationally promoted awareness/preparedness weeks that local efforts push out to the public. The purpose of these recognized campaigns are to help make accessible educational information to enable the public to better respond during emergencies and catastrophes. Pictured above is a Hurricane Preparedness checklist (Spanish version) with information from the www.readync.gov website.
A collection of images from various public awareness campaigns for the department of Emergency Management.
Photographer: Carla Hanson
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Purpose
The purpose of Pitt County Department of Social Services (DSS) is to enable individuals to function at their maximum capacity, to become self-sufficient, to improve their standard of living, to learn to cope adequately with their problems, and to provide preventive services that will avoid family breakup and enable individuals to remain in their own homes. Pitt County DSS provides financial assistance and human services to all County residents who meet eligibility criteria. The three main program areas are Income Maintenance Programs, Social Work Programs, and Prevention Services. Our programs are housed in two separate locations. Please click on Services and Programs to find where our offices are located and services provided at each location.
Information Source www.pittcountync.gov/DSS
June is National Elder Abuse Awareness Month. While the specific forms of abuse can vary, it is widely believed that at least 1 in 10 senior adults experience some form of verbal, physical, emotional, or financial exploitation or abuse.
NC3C Excellence in Communication Award Winner
The July 2016 - July 2017 Department of Social Services Annual Report First Place Winner in the category of CAFR or similar Financial Report. The award was submitted under the name of the Director of Public Information for Pitt County. He is my supervisor however the design was created by me.
Management Information Systems (MIS)
Management Information Systems (MIS), an internal services department, is responsible for directing the information and data integrity of the County and its departments and for all information service functions of the organization, including:
Application and development support
Communication networks (voice and data)
Copier administration
Email
Equipment upgrades
Integration of systems at the local and state level
Request services
Responsibilities
The department defines strategic direction and aligns the business processes with the implementation of technology. MIS establishes and manages strategic relationships with local and state agencies to enhance the timely and quality delivery of service.
Information Source www.pittcountync.gov/MIS
Pitt Area Transit (PATS)
PATS is a public transportation system open to all citizens of Pitt County living outside the city limits of Greenville. It provides nearly 400,000 miles of service in over 40,000 trips annually, and consists of a fleet of 20 vehicles.
Mission
The mission of Pitt Area Transit System (PATS) is to provide safe, reliable, cost effective transportation that enables eligible individuals to access necessary medical care and other essential resources that improve and enhance their quality of life.
I was asked to create artwork to be displayed in the Pitt Area Transit System’s Conference room. Working in-tandem with Kyle Kettler, Multimedia Specialist, we were able to capture an updated modern feel of the County's Transit System. Overall timeline for this project was a couple of months
Planning & Development
The Planning Department develops and implements plans and policies related to land development to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Pitt County.
Responsibilities
Floodplain management
Land subdivision and manufactured home park regulation enforcement
Permitting
Soil erosion and sedimentation control administration
Zoning administration
Community development activities
Computerized mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
E-911 address assignment
Population studies
Transportation planning
Recreation planning
American Planning Association North Carolina Chapter / Pitt County Planning Department - 2017 Conference Logo
During the Spring of 2017, I was asked to assist with the American Planners Association North Carolina chapter with developing a logo and layout for the programs for the event. Pictured above is the final version of the logo. This particular project was also another First Place winner in the NC3C 2017 submission in the category of Program or Activity Catalog.
American Planning Association NC Chapter Conference program
I was asked to assist in creating a logo/illustration for the American Planning Association’s NC Chapter which was held at the Greenville Convention Center. In addition to the logo, I was asked to layout the program that will be printed and handed out at the conference. Layout is one of my specialties.
