Todd Dvorak, bureau chief for Associated Press and president of the southwest chapter of the Idaho Press Club, will moderate the discussion as Brian Cronin, Lynda Friesz-Martin and Randy Simon analyze the ethics and issues involved when communicators are sought to support government at local and state level. To RSVP or register go to register

Moderator Todd Dvorak – Todd is a 15-year veteran in newspapers and with the Associated Press. He has served as administrative correspondent for the AP’s Boise office since 2007, directing state and national coverage of Idaho politics, business, sports and other Idaho stories that hit national and international news markets. Before moving to Idaho, Todd worked for the AP for five years in Iowa. Todd is a Wisconsin native and graduate from the University of Minnesota. He’s an avid fly fisherman, runner, outdoor enthusiast, reader and craft beer geek. He’s been married to Meg for 17 years.

Panelists include:
Brian Cronin – A versatile and multifaceted communications professional, marketing strategist, writer, editor, spokesperson, speechwriter, political strategist, emcee, educator, and community volunteer. Diverse career trajectory includes work in public high schools, non-profits, a publishing house, a Fortune 50 company, and ad/marketing agencies. Brian was elected to the Idaho state legislature in 2008 and is the owner / president of Cronin and Associates.

Lynda Friesz-Martin – Lynda draws from 25 years of experience as a public relations/public involvement professional, with her services ranging from major corporate and public-sector clients, to special events and professional sports. Her strengths include project management, graphic design, web site design, facilitation and overseeing all of the day-to-day activities and business operations of her firm. Ms. Friesz-Martin has managed public involvement efforts for the City of Boise, Ada County Highway District, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Federal Highway Administration, Alaska Department of Transportation and the Idaho Transportation Department. She is the president of Lynda Friesz Public Relations.

Randy Simon – Prior to joining Gallatin Public Affairs, Randy spent the past decade as an award winning journalist working in New Mexico and Idaho. Though the majority of his time was spent in front of the camera, Randy also reported for the local newspaper and hosted a radio talk show. While in New Mexico, he educated political candidates on the nuances of public speaking, interviewing and campaign media strategies. Randy attended Baylor University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with a minor in environmental studies. From there he traveled to Washington D.C. and worked with the conservation group American Forests before studying journalism in graduate school at the University of Colorado.