The Public Information Officer (PIO)

Contact Information, Office Hours, History

The Public Information Officer (PIO):

• Acts as a point of contact for County information to assist the news media, citizens, elected officials, County employees and other local, state and national agencies

• Writes and disseminates all County news releases

• Coordinates interview requests from the media

• Arranges press conferences for County announcements and conducts other media events as needed

• Reviews information for departments prior to posting on the county's Web site

• Oversees the County’s social media functions

• Assists with special projects and presentations about County services

• Coordinates responses to S.C. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests that involve multiple departments or come from the media

• Edits County brochures and other print materials prior to publication

• Coordinates the media and serves as a liaison for public information (through the Citizens’ Information Line) during emergencies and disasters.

This Office Does Not

History

The Public Information Office originally was created in July 1971 to respond to requests for County information from the media, public and employees. Through the early 1980s, those duties were handled, either formally or informally, by the Administrator's staff.

Immediately after Hurricane Hugo, in 1989, the Public Information Office was re-established. The initial focus was on getting out disaster recovery information to citizens, government agencies and the media. Responsibilities of the PIO have expanded to include many other County projects and services, especially the County's use of the Internet as a tool to provide information and conduct business.

Contact Information

Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building
4045 Bridge View Drive, Suite B-238
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 958-4000

(843) 958-4004 (Fax)

Office Hours

Monday-Friday

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.