Photo: Courtesy City of Burbank -- Drew Sugars Public Information Officer
Burbank’s new public information officer, Drew Sugars, officially takes the reins on Monday July 9. In a news release, put out yesterday, city officials raved about Sugars’ skills and local experience.
“Sugars arrives with 17-years of broadcasting experience as an Emmy winning television news reporter, main anchor, and newsroom manager. The California native spent the past four years working for the largest law enforcement agency in Santa Barbara County where he successfully merged the Public Information Office and Media Resources Unit.”
As a result of that merger, Sugars became the first civilian PIO in the SBSO’s 150-year history, according to a press released from that agency.
“Drew’s unique skill set allowed us to consolidate some duties and save money that would not have been possible under the former model,” said Santa Barbara Sheriff Bill Brown in the release. “Drew also brought a fresh perspective at a time when the media landscape was changing due to the emergence of social media and the downsizing of newsrooms. He did an outstanding job for us, and is leaving some big shoes to fill.”
Sugars replaces Keith Sterling, who left several months ago to take the position of communications director at the University of Utah. Since the first of the year, the city manager’s office has received more than a hundred applications for the job.
“This was a long process,” said Deputy City Manager Joy Forbes, in the Burbank press release. “It was very important that we pick the right person to build upon the success we’ve achieved in the Public Information Office. Drew came highly recommended and has the complete set of skills that this job requires.”
