Kerri Richardson named NAGC Communicator of the Year

The National Association of Government Communicators selected Kerri Richardson, Director of Communications at the Kentucky Governor’s Office, as the NAGC 2014 Communicator of the Year.

Richardson was selected for the award by a panel of NAGC judges for her ability to communicate Kentucky’s decision to expand Medicaid and launch their own, state-based Affordable Care Act Health Benefits Exchange – both highly complex and often contentious programs. The panel was impressed by Richardson’s ability to communicate the Kentucky experience across a broad spectrum of audiences – from local to national, including major media.

“NAGC is proud to honor the Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear’s Office Director of Communications Kerri Richardson,” said NAGC President Glen Thomas. “She is a communicator who combined subject matter expertise with the right communication tools to gain statewide support for Kentucky’s Affordable Care Act implementation, and elevate Kentucky’s approach as a national model for states to use in implementing the Affordable Care Act.”

The NAGC Communicator of the Year Award is given annually to a government communicator who has helped instill public trust by effectively presenting accurate, timely and meaningful information, sometimes under exceptional circumstances.

Richardson will receive her award during the NAGC’s 2014 Awards Banquet, scheduled for June 12, at the National Press Club, Washington DC. The Banquet coincides with the 2014 NAGC Communications School, scheduled for June 12-13, at the FHI 360 Conference Center, Washington DC.