The California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO), is proud to recognize the following City of Palm Springs team members as the recipients of the Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Leader Award, honoring their exceptional leadership, professionalism, and expertise during an unprecedented crisis response.

The recipients are Amy Blaisdell, Chief Communications Officer, Lt. Mike Villegas, Palm Springs Police Department, Capt. Ronald Skyberg, Palm Springs Fire Department, Kitty Alvarado, Palm Springs Public Information Officer, Denise Goolsby, Palm Springs Neighborhoods Manager, and Benjamin Eye, Communications Specialist.

On May 17, 2025, when a terrorist bombing struck the American Reproductive Health Center, Palm Springs faced an immediate and traumatic crisis that drew national scrutiny and intense local fear. From the first moments after the explosion, this communications team provided calm, credible, and compassionate leadership. Emergency communications protocols were activated without delay, roles were clearly defined, and the team coordinated tightly with police, fire, emergency management, and regional, state, and federal partners to ensure verified, actionable information reached decision makers, first responders, the media, and the public.

The team received the award on May 13 during CAPIO's annual statewide conference.