SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Judy Soutiere, flood risk program manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District, was recognized as the 2008 Ronald J. Ruffennach Communicator of the Year during the Corps' Summer Leaders Conference early last month in Jacksonville, Fla. Soutiere received the award for her continuous support in creating effective communication plans, specifically for the Natomas basin following the announcement of new flood maps by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Shortly after the FEMA announcement, Soutiere began organizing a collaborative communications plan to ensure information reached the public, addressing any community concerns as they arose. She worked with representatives from FEMA, the county and city, as well as congressional members throughout the process. Her work in Natomas is now used as an example by other districts, according to Soutiere, on how to communicate with the public. It's an experience Soutiere is happy to be recognized for and in her eyes, an acknowledgment of the importance of communications.
"It was an honor," Soutiere said. "To be selected is wonderful. It's nice to know that I was recognized for my skills."
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