Welcome to the National Information Officers Association official website. The NIOA is one of the largest and most respected networks of public safety and first responder Public Information Officers. Since 1989 this organization has grown from just a handful of members to several hundred PIO’s from law enforcement, the fire service, emergency medical services, hospitals, government and more. Our membership includes individuals from the United States, Canada, Guam and Grand Cayman to name a few. The NIOA is one of very few organizations that focus on the distinctive needs of first responder PIO’s.
Whether you’re just beginning your career or you’re a seasoned PIO, being an NIOA member will provide you with beneficial training and unique resources to assist you in your everyday work life. As a member, you’ll receive six newsletters each year containing important information and articles from fellow PIO’s. You’ll also have full access to the Members Only section of this website that features a membership directory, forums, our association by-laws and more. Both the newsletter and the website are in place to keep you up-to-date on the organization including pertinent legal precedents and technology changes.
The NIOA also hosts an annual training conference with a plethora of interesting topics that you’re sure to be able to apply to your work as a PIO, no matter what your discipline. You’ll learn about actual case studies from fellow PIO’s, how they dealt with real-life situations that they have faced, how they are using technology to improve their jobs, and much, much more. You will be hard pressed to receive this level of quality training anywhere else and you won’t find a better value for the dollar. At the 2009 conference in Nashville, Tennessee, sessions were held on trust and the media, positive PR campaigns, a mass shooting in Virginia, a double line of duty death during a structure fire in Ohio, the use of social media and more. Attending the conference also offers you an important opportunity to network with other PIO’s, which may very well be the most important benefit available to you as a member of the NIOA.
The NIOA strives to provide top-notch training, up-to-date professional information and plenty of networking opportunities in order to meet the unique needs of its membership. For more information about the annual training conference, about joining the association or if you have additional questions, please contact us at nioa@comcast.net.
Respectfully,
Marlee Boenig
2010 President, NIOA
