Harris County, TX — Rachel Moreno, public information officer for the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office (HCFMO), completed the Master Public Information Officer (MPIO) Program through Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute (EMI). Moreno now joins the ranks of just 60 public information officers nationwide who have earned this designation.
“The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is extremely proud of Rachel on this distinguished achievement,” said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen. “Rachel has been instrumental in developing a robust communications section at HCFMO, and we know this accomplishment will enhance her ability to bring added value to our organization and the residents of Harris County.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to attend and complete the MPIO program though EMI,” said Moreno. “I was able to connect with public information officers from across the nation and develop lasting relationships with others who share the same passion and determination to provide the right information, to the right people, at the right time.”
The MPIO program is a three-course series that prepares public information officers for an expanded role in delivering public information and warnings using a strategic whole community approach. MPIO program participants are required to design, develop, and implement a capstone research project that contributes to the body of knowledge for emergency management-related public information.
Moreno was chosen for the MPIO program after a rigorous selection process, requiring an essay and recommendation letters from peers and leadership. The program is limited to public information officers who have more than five years’ experience as a full-time public information officer with a demonstrated sphere of influence capable of advancing the relevance of whole community external affairs and public information.