If something is happening in Chester County, Becky Brain, the public information officer, knows about it. And it is her responsibility to share it with the news media and the public, along with a host of other responsibilities. Brain recently shared information about what her job entails with the Community Courier.

Community Courier: What are some of your job duties?

Brain: Those familiar with "government" titles might know that the public information office is really the communications office. So, as public information officer for Chester County government, I oversee all communications and media-related matters, including the county's website, social media pages and the county's weekly newsletter. I write - a lot - whether it's press releases, newsletter stories, proclamations, letters of commendation and citations or information for the county commissioners' speaking engagements.

Community Courier: What is a typical day like?

Brain: On a typical day, I - along with my team - answer questions from reporters or set up interviews with the commissioners and county personnel. I write press releases, arrange press conferences and special events, prepare proclamations and citations and prepare presentations for the commissioners' public meetings. I also respond to questions asked by county residents via email or phone calls.

Community Courier: What would people be surprised to learn about your job?

Brain: That this "government" job is exciting, varied and never dull! Chester County government includes Emergency Services/the 9-1-1 Center, the Health Department, Human Service programs, County Parks + Preservation, Planning, Water Resources and Conservation, libraries, Voter Services and even Chester County's Archive and Records Services. So one day I can be writing about foster care and adoptions or programs in the county's parks, and the next day I can be answering questions on the county's elections, writing about affordable housing projects or even organizing events like the Chester County Color 5K.

Community Courier: How long have you been in this job, and do you work at home or in an office?

Brain: I have been working in a communications role with Chester County for 16 years and have been public information officer for nine of those years. Before the pandemic, I could access my work desktop from home, so the technology needed to work from home during COVID-19 was already in place. My role is currently hybrid.

Community Courier: What is your favorite part of the job?

Brain: It is difficult to pinpoint a favorite, but an aspect of the job that I really enjoy is the partnerships developed that help to expand and improve the county's services to residents and businesses. This includes partnerships with nonprofits, chambers of commerce, schools, municipalities, the first responder community and agencies like the Chester County Economic Development Council and the Conference and Visitors Bureau.

Community Courier: What do you do in your spare time?

Brain: I enjoy cooking, spending time with family, game nights and book clubs with friends. And I love to travel - throughout the U.S. or abroad and to (my family's) former home in the UK.