News Detail
Franklin County Commissioners Salute Work Of Government Communicators
Commissioners
February 20, 2026
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (February 20, 2026) – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed Feb. 20, 2026, to be Government Communicators Day in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are encouraging residents to recognize the commitment and dedication these professionals at all levels of government put forth in serving their communities and residents.
The term ‘government communicator’ encompasses a variety of roles in the communications field, including public relations professionals, social media managers, public information officers, communications directors, videographers, photographers, graphic designers, speech writers, marketing specialists and event planners. In these roles, these professionals bridge the gap between those in governance – like the commissioners and county government – and the governed to inform, educate and engage communities. They create relationships and build trust while inspiring residents to get involved in civic issues and matters that affect their lives.
Government communicators often work behind the scenes in supportive roles, regularly allowing others to take the spotlight, as they work to help move projects forward, keep residents informed and communities safe. From posting critical, life-saving notices during an emergency or sharing details of a new program, to writing an important speech or creating marketing materials for an upcoming event, the role of a communications professional often varies but has a consistent end goal of information dissemination through an assortment of channels and means.
“A government communicator is someone who must wear a lot of different hats and be someone who can pivot accordingly when last-minute needs arise. That can mean being available 24/7 because communication needs aren’t just restricted to a typical 9-to-5 workday,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “We can change our policies, offer new programs or make changes that will have a big impact on our communities, but that means nothing without communications staff to share that information with the public.”
In Franklin County, the commissioners and county departments are served by an office of communications. The office works to keep audiences informed, educated and engaged while maintaining transparency related to the county’s operations, actions, programs, objectives and achievements. This is accomplished by providing open, honest and consistent messaging and the timely publication of information.
The office of communications teams up with Franklin County’s department of emergency services in the event of a crisis. Emergency services staff also play a vital role as government communicators, providing urgent traffic alerts or weather-related updates as well as useful recommendations and tips to keep families and residents safe.
At the local municipal level, many staff take up the mantel of government communications on top of other responsibilities to ensure important messages reach the public. Their work includes everything from maintaining a presence on social media or distributing quarterly newsletters to putting up yard signs and being the point person for media requests. While these duties may not be their primary focus, municipal staff who serve in a communications capacity recognize the importance of sharing information with their township or borough residents and stakeholders.
By recognizing Government Communicators Day, the Franklin County Commissioners expressed their gratitude for the professionalism, dedication, enthusiasm and sacrifice these professionals exhibit in the name of public service at all levels of government.