The Streamlining Engagement: Maximizing Communication Tools for Government session offered county communicators a practical roadmap for
improving public engagement without overextending staff and resources.
Led by Beth Malasky, Public Information Manager for Queen Anne’s County and President of MACo’s PIO & Communications Professionals Affiliate, and Renesha Alphonso, Director of Strategic Communications at the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland, the session emphasized that effective government communication is not about flashy design, but about clarity, consistency, and trust. Malasky encouraged counties to think intentionally about the balance between formal government seals and more human-centered branding, noting that jurisdictions must decide what best serves their communities, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
A major focus of the session was how accessible design tools, such as Canva, can help local governments streamline workflows, maintain brand consistency, and produce ADA-compatible materials without advanced design expertise. Through real-world examples, Malasky started the session off by highlighted best practices including the use of style guides, templates, preset graphic sizes, and licensed imagery to ensure consistency across platforms while avoiding audience confusion
She also stressed that county governments communicate with their entire community, underscoring the importance of simplicity, accessibility, and responsiveness to feedback. The session reinforced that thoughtful, consistent communication is a critical extension of public service, helping counties build trust, improve engagement, and deliver information more effectively in an increasingly digital environment
Building on the foundational discussion around branding and consistency, Renésha Alphonso followed with a live, demonstration of Canva to show how counties can translate branding principles into everyday practice. Alphonso walked attendees through the core components of a government style guide, including logos, fonts, color palettes, and tone, and reinforced that, “yes, government entities have a brand,” whether intentional or not. Her demonstration highlighted how accessible tools like Canva allow communicators to quickly produce polished, on-brand materials while maintaining accessibility and consistency across platforms. By showcasing practical workflows and real-time design adjustments, Alphonso underscored how thoughtful branding supports public trust, clarity, and recognition, especially in fast-moving digital environments.
The session, moderated by Baltimore City Council Member Odette Ramos, offered attendees actionable strategies to strengthen visual identity and streamline communications without sacrificing accuracy or professionalism.
Do you know what “brand” means?
What are the components of a style guide? Renésha Alphonso, Strategic Communications Director at the office of @MDComptroller tells us more. pic.twitter.com/7cxsZAsbmC— Maryland Association of Counties (@MDCounties) December 10, 2025
Title: Streamlining Engagement: Maximizing Communication Tools for Government
Speakers:
- Renesha Alphonso, Director of Strategic Communications at the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland
- Elizabeth Malasky, Public Information Manager for Queen Anne’s County
Moderator: The Honorable Odette Ramos, Council Member, Baltimore City
More about MACo’s Winter Conference:
