About me: bit.ly/MeetMJOCERSMary-Joy Coburn is a seasoned executive manager and communications professional with more than 15 years of experience in government management, strategic planning, and crisis/emergency communications. She currently serves as the Director of Communications for the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS), where she is responsible for leading the organization’s overall internal and external communications strategy.In her previous role as the Director of Communications for the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, Mary-Joy spearheaded impactful public relations, media relations, government relations, and public education and outreach initiatives. She helped put the vector control industry on the map by bringing innovative ideas, conducting over 100 radio, print, and television interviews, and achieving numerous "firsts" in the field. Her exceptional skills have resulted in successful projects and recognition, including awards for best community outreach, best communications campaign, and social media best use overall, in California.Mary-Joy's passion for effective communication extends beyond her professional work. She is the founder of the Los Angeles Public Information Officials (LAPIO) and the Orange County Public Information Officials (OCPIO), auxiliary groups to CAPIO, where she has fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing among communicators in the region. Additionally, she has utilized her expertise to guide the Delta Eta Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta at UC Irvine in enhancing their public relations efforts and representation on campus and with faculty.Outside of work, Mary-Joy is actively involved in community and alumnae organizations. She’s a Gamma Phi Beta Life Loyal member and participates in Orange County and Los Angeles Alumnae Chapters and serves as the Delta Eta 50th Anniversary Chair. In her free time, she enjoys exploring local spots and eateries, cheering for her husband in the Scottish Highland Games, and cherishing quality moments with her family and friends.Mary-Joy holds degrees in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine, and Television Broadcasting and Production from the Academy of Radio and Television.