Our own Communications Manager / Public Information Officer (PIO) Steve Hawley was named 2019 Communicator of the Year by the North Carolina City & County Communicators (NC3C). The award was presented as part of NC3C’s annual Excellence in Communications Awards at NC3C’s annual Spring Conference.

The Communicator of the Year Award is named in honor and memory of Chris Coulson, a founding member of NC3C. The award is presented to an NC3C member who demonstrates a passion for making a difference in the profession and in the lives of citizens.  The Communicator of the Year is a person whose character, career, and service represent the highest standards and who excels in the practice of local government communications and/or has accomplished an outstanding one-time achievement. 

Steve was recognized not only for his work with Greenville Utilities, but also his success as PIO for the City of Greenville, where he was responsible for transforming, growing, and modernizing the City’s communications efforts. He was also recognized for the key role he has played in the formation, growth, stability, and success of NC3C. Steve is a founding member of NC3C and has served a variety of roles, including two terms as President. He’s known for his work for the organization and assisting individual members, his sense of humor, and making new members feel welcome.

NC3C was created to encourage professional development and networking among local governmental communications professionals. The organization was formed in March 2007 and is made up of professional government communicators from across the state. This is just the seventh time the award has been given and the first time it was given to two people. Sharing the honors with Steve this year is Carolyn Justice-Hinson from Fayetteville Public Works Commission.