PHOTO: Members of the City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs and the Victoria Police Department pose for a photo with two statewide awards from the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA). Shown from left are Administrative Assistant Alvesa Odom, Communications Director Ashley Strevel, Deputy Chief Eline Moya, Videographer George Partida, Senjor Officer John Turner, Communications Manager Sam Hankins and Multimedia Producer A.J. Gonzalez.
The City of Victoria earned two statewide awards from the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA) for its video productions.
Communications & Public Affairs earned third place in the Interview, Talk Show, or Podcast category for Town Talk, the City’s podcast featuring City officials and local leaders.
Participating staff members were Communications Director Ashley Strevel, Multimedia Producer A.J. Gonzalez, Communications Manager Sam Hankins, Videographer George Partida, Graphic Designer/Brand Manager Shane Blucher, Administrative Assistant Alvesa Odom and Public Safety Communications Manager Gabe Meyers.
Town Talk, which recently wrapped up its first year of production, previously won an Award of Excellence from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO).
“Town Talk is a reflection of our mission to connect with our residents and keep them tuned in to their community,” Strevel said. “I am proud of our creative and hardworking team, and we are honored to have our efforts recognized at the state level.”
The Victoria Police Department earned third place in the Use of Humor category for Beetlejuice Halloween PSA, in which Beetlejuice (Senior Officer John Turner) and Lydia (Senior Officer Dinah Levario) go over safety tips before trick-or-treating.
Other VPD employees featured in the PSA were former Chief Chuck Young, Interim Chief Clay Fetters, Deputy Chief Eline Moya, Capt. Kevin Sanderson, Capt. Jason Turner and administrative assistant Pearl Swartz.
VPD has been recognized previously for its Halloween PSAs, earning a TATOA award in 2023 for a Ghostbusters-themed PSA.
“Our Community Engagement officers and City Communications employees are among the best in their field,” Fetters said. “Their ability to use their imaginations and creativity to inform and educate the public in a fun way has set the standard across the state for many years.”
Stay connected
The City of Victoria’s media productions can be viewed on municipal cable channel TV15 (channels 15 and 115, and online at www.victoriatx.gov/tv15) or on YouTube at Victoria Texas Videos.