Government Communicators Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the invaluable contributions of public communicators across the nation.

This day of recognition falls on Feb. 20 this year, which happens to be Senior Communications Specialist Cheryl Sadgrove’s work anniversary with the Town of Hillsborough.

Sadgrove has been a part of the Communications Division for nine years and earned certification as an advanced public information officer as part of emergency management training last year. Check out our Q&A with her.

What did you do before joining the town?

I wrote articles about Hillsborough and Orange County for the Raleigh News & Observer and The Chapel Hill News for a few years. I then taught piano lessons, did some freelance writing and eventually started preparing minutes for the town board and most of the appointed boards as a contractor.

What prompted you to work for the town?

Because I had covered the town as a print journalist, I had some deeper knowledge of town operations and services, and I knew that I would be working with great people.

I had also enjoyed being a part of the community as a resident and couldn’t pass up an opportunity to work for my town.

What do you do?

I provide information to Hillsborough’s community members through social media posts, news releases and occasionally videos and community engagement events. I also coordinate the town’s Government 101 program, which is a multiweek course that we offer to residents in the fall. We strive to make each session lively and informative. I highly recommend signing up for it!

How have you seen town communications grow and change?

Town communications has grown from one part-time position to three full-time positions. The increase in town communications has been important to me as a resident and a former journalist because years ago there were several local journalists informing residents about town board decisions and town happenings. Now that journalism coverage is much more limited, I feel that it is important for the town to inform the public about development plans, budgets, important decisions and ways to provide input. 

What has been your favorite part of being a local government communicator?

I’ve most enjoyed talking with Hillsborough residents in person at community meetings and Government 101 sessions. It is interesting to talk with both those who have memories of this town going back several decades and those who have recently chosen to make Hillsborough their hometown.