The city of Vancouver has hired a public relations expert from the Hood River, Ore., area to serve as its new communications manager, City Manager Eric Holmes said Tuesday.
Barbara Ayers was hired to increase public education and outreach, involve citizens in helping make Vancouver a better place and to build communication and collaboration with residents, businesses, community groups and staff.
As the city continues to reformat and redefine what services it provides, direct feedback from residents is key, Holmes said. While the city has experienced budget cuts that have included the closure of a fire station, the city manager said it was important to create Ayers’ position, which pays $90,000 a year plus benefits.
“This position is about focusing on connecting to the citizens that we serve,” he said. “And if there were ever a time we needed to do it, it’s now.”
Her role will include not just putting information out to the community, but also listening and responding to concerns, he said.
Ayers, who last served as director of marking and public relations at Providence Health & Services, Columbia Gorge, will start May 23. Ayers has 20 years of public service and nonprofit experience, during which she worked closely with community groups, volunteers, business associations, and local, regional and national agencies to develop successful community outreach programs.
Her experience includes building a citizen Community Emergency Response Team program for San Diego’s Fire Rescue Department; organizing major public service events and health education programs for Providence Health & Services in the Columbia River Gorge; and managing public relations for the San Diego Zoo. Ayers’ background includes broadcast television and radio, daily and weekly newspapers and includes developing content for local, independent and nationally syndicated programming.
Holmes said six finalists were interviewed for the job.
“It was actually not only her experience, but particularly the breadth and depth of her experience across multiple mediums … and in multiple sectors, both public and nonprofit,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to joining this community. I love working with people who care. I’m also really excited about so many of the great things to do here — the waterfront trail, the dog parks and the river,” Ayers said in a news release.
Vancouver’s new hire will bring the number of city employees assigned to public information to four. She will join Kim Kapp with Vancouver Police, Chris Moen with Vancouver Fire and Loretta Callahan in Public Works.
Andrea Damewood: 360-735-4542, andrea.damewood@columbian.com and on Twitter @col_cityhall.
