Congratulations to Sue Breding, Communications Director for the City of Glendale, Arizona, for being named the 2023 3CMA Communicator of the Year.
Sept. 7, 2023 (Orlando, FL) – 3CMA Presents the 2023 Communicator of the Year Award to Sue Breding from the City of Glendale, AZ.
Sue has shown exceptional leadership throughout the 2022-23 year, receiving numerous honors and even earning a prestigious spot as a national trustee for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which you may or may not know is the governing body for Primetime, Daytime & Sports Emmy awards.
But that's just the beginning of their remarkable journey. When the largest single-day sporting event, Super Bowl LVII (57), came to their city in February 2023, this nominee played multiple leadership roles, contributing to the NFL’s successful hosting of the event. They led major communication efforts for the city, overseeing multiple projects and serving on a core city leadership team. Not only did they serve the city, but they also served the entire state by providing communication leadership as a member of the AZ Super Bowl Host Committee's communications team.
Moreover, in 2023, Sue was recognized as one of the state’s top female leaders and invited to join an elite group of Arizona’s accomplished women called Charter 100 AZ. They have reinvented the city’s outdated government communication methods, making it a cutting-edge city with a robust communication strategy and a high standard of excellence for all its outreach, both internal and external.
Sue has consistently demonstrated creativity and innovation in their communication strategies. Their forward-thinking approach, like creating a comprehensive digital media kit, has not only been beneficial to the media but has also made handling incoming requests for information more efficient during high-profile events.
Sue’s commitment extends to internal communication efforts as well. They have introduced initiatives like “Employee Express,” “The Success Factors Excellence Awards,” and “Employee Gratitude Month” to recognize and engage city employees, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture.
But perhaps what truly sets Sue apart is her dedication to community service and mentorship. She actively mentors the next generation of communicators and recently organized a student lunch and learn day at the media center, providing valuable insights into government communication to area high school broadcasting students.
Her generosity of spirit, collaborative mindset, and unwavering commitment to excellence in communication have strengthened the bond between the city and its residents, businesses, and stakeholders.
Sue’s tireless dedication and extraordinary contributions have not only put Glendale, Arizona, on the map but have set a shining example for communicators like us across the nation.
For all of this and more, including her many contributions to 3CMA, we are pleased to honor Sue Breding, Communications Director for the City of Glendale, Arizona, as the 2023 3CMA Communicator of the Year.