The City of Puyallup is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Public Affairs Officer. Eric Johnson has stepped into the role beginning March 2021. The Puyallup team is excited to bring him on board to assist with public affairs and communications strategy. Former Public Affairs Officer Brenda Fritsvold has moved into the City Clerk position and will be leading that department.
Johnson brings over seven years of experience in government communications to the City of Puyallup. Before joining Puyallup, Johnson served in a similar role as the Communications Specialist for the City of Roseburg, Oregon, implementing a City-wide Communications Plan that increased public outreach and transparency of the municipality. Johnson also worked for the City of Lincoln City as the Public Relations Coordinator, gaining valuable experience marketing the Oregon Coast town to visitors from across the Pacific Northwest.
“It is my honor to welcome Eric to Team Puyallup. One of his first directives is to continue to enhance our public relations, which includes looking at our existing communications tools and identifying innovative ways that we can communicate with our residents. Please help us give a warm welcome to Eric,” said Puyallup City Manager Steve Kirkelie.
Johnson is a graduate of Oregon State University, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and his Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA). Johnson also has an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), which is considered the top-standard in the public relations field.
“I am thrilled to be selected as the City’s next Public Affairs Officer,” said Johnson. “The City of Puyallup has an outstanding team of professionals, working tirelessly every day to provide core services to its residents. I am excited to be a part of this team and look forward to calling Puyallup home.”
The Public Affairs Officer is responsible for developing the City’s strategic communications plan. Additionally, the position assists in managing the City’s social media channels, administration of the City’s website, and public outreach on City projects and events.
Johnson can be reached by emailing ejohnson@puyallupwa.gov or calling 253-770-3370. For more information, please go to www.CityofPuyallup.org.