For Immediate Release:
October 21, 2024

Commissioners honor employees for
winning 2024 NACIO Awards of Excellence
Department wins nine NACIO awards

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners presented certificates of recognition to Department of Public Information, Economic Development and Tourism employees Aaron Townsend, Anthony DeSeno, Alexandra Di Trolio, Julian Garcia, Christopher M. Orlando, Carolyn Burtnick, and John Ciufo for winning National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Awards of Excellence during a workshop meeting held on Oct. 10.

“Congratulations to Aaron, Anthony, Alexandra, Julian, Christopher, Carolyn and John for their remarkable work being recognized by NACIO for the 2024 Awards of Excellence competition,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Department of Public Information, Tourism and Economic Development. “The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners commends the employees of the Department of Public Information, Economic Development and Tourism for receiving these prestigious accolades and highlighting why Monmouth County is the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

DeSeno, County Graphic Artist, received the Excellence Award for Audiovisual – Medium Length Video. His project consisted of creating a Rocky’s Rules for Recycling cartoon episode.

Townsend, County Graphic Artist, received the Meritorious Award for Graphic Design – Logo for the Monmouth NJ 250 logo he created. Townsend also won the Meritorious Award for Graphic Design – Special Graphics for his design of a Monmouth NJ 250 cornhole set.

Garcia, County Digital Media Assistant/Videographer, received the Excellence Award in Audiovisual – Long Video. His project consisted of creating a Lessons in Community Planning video.

Di Trolio, County Digital Media Manager, received the Excellence Award for Video Series. Her project consisted of creating the Service Spotlight video series.

Orlando, Deputy Director of Public Information, received the Excellence Award for Campaigns – Community Engagement for his project to create a Snowplow Naming Contest Campaign. Orlando also received the Excellence Award for Campaigns – Community Engagement for his project to create the 2023 September 11 Day of Remembrance Campaign.

Ciufo, Director of the Division of Economic Development, received the Superior Award for Electronic Communications – Specialized Websites. His project consisted of creating the Brewed & Distilled in Monmouth Google Map web page.

Burtnick, Director of the Division of Tourism, received the Best in Category Award for Electronic Communications – Websites. Her project consisted of innovative enhancements to the Division of Tourism’s website.

“At NACIO, we are honored to recognize the exceptional talents of our Awards of Excellence winners. Your innovative approaches, compelling storytelling and dedication to your profession is commendable,” said Jennifer Finch, NACIO President. “These awards celebrate your achievements and underscore the impact of your work in shaping effective and meaningful communication. Congratulations for your outstanding contributions and for setting an example for others to follow.”

As an active affiliate of the National Association of Counties (NACo), NACIO works to promote the value of professional public information officers and communicators to county governments. NACIO members serve as judges for NACo’s annual National County Government Month contest, and NACIO experts present highly entertaining workshops on media relations best practices at the NACo Annual and Legislative conferences. To learn more about NACIO, go to nacio.org.

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