Doug Pacey (Center), assistant communications director for digital communications, was recognized as PR Person of the Year. (ADOT photo)

The Arizona Department of Transportation Office of Communications and Public Involvement has won four top awards from an organization representing state transportation agencies across the country.

ADOT took home the honors during the recent annual meeting of TransComm, the communications committee for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the national nonprofit group that represents and supports state departments of transportation.

The winners were:

TransComm PR Professional of Year: Doug Pacey

As a public information officer and now assistant communications director for digital communications, with responsibilities that include oversight of ADOT's social media accounts, Pacey leads development of safety campaigns, including the attention-grabbing messages that appear on digital message boards. He has spoken to TransComm and other regional and national groups about the effective use of humor in transportation communications.

Virtual Public Involvement: 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan

A broad cross-section of Arizonans, nearly 10,000 in all, provided input for this recently adopted blueprint and vision for ADOT's priorities over the next 25 years. Virtual outreach included an interactive online survey; public meetings held via Zoom, telephone and a self-guided online meeting room that simulated a public meeting; a comprehensive website; online options that supplemented traditional methods for submitting feedback; and extensive notification of engagement opportunities, including digital ads, social media posts and email alerts.

Video Production-External: Sliding Bridge — SR 79 at Gila River

ADOT used an innovative approach to replace this key bridge in Florence by assembling the new structure next to the existing bridge and then sliding it into place.

Transportation Event: I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project: Ready to Rubble

A comprehensive communication plan, stakeholder tours and media event presented removing three Interstate 10 bridges, requiring a weekend closure, as "Ready to Rubble: The Ultimate Bridge Takedown." In addition to information, photos and video shared through ADOT's distribution channels, including its YouTube video, several media outlets provided live shots and other behind-the-scenes coverage.

ADOT Communications and Public Involvement supports projects and agency priorities through public involvement outreach, news media relations, safety communications, social media engagement, graphics and video production, website design and operations, internal communications, constituent services and more.

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