Public Information Advisory Board

Meetings

The Tompkins County Public Information Advisory Board (TCPIAB) typically meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm. If you are interested in attending, contact the Communications & Public Information Office to obtain the Zoom link and/or location for the next meeting.

Purpose

TCPIAB advises the Communications Director and the Tompkins County Legislature on effective ways to disseminate information and encourage meaningful public involvement in County government and issues and activities. The Board shall be committed to transparency in government.

Members

TCPIAB shall be composed of seven voting members with diverse backgrounds and knowledge and experience in public information, media, and community relations. They are appointed by the County Legislature to three-year terms. The Communications Director and a County Legislator serve as ex officio non-voting members.

Current Members

  • Linda Holzbaur, Chair
  • Paul Boyer, Vice-Chair
  • Ron Van Ormer, Secretary
  • Isako Di Tomassi
  • Carissa Parlato
  • Patricia Poist
  • Kate Supron
  • Dan Wakeman, Legislator Liaison
  • Monika Salvage, Communications Director

Authorization

Agendas & Minutes

Current Events & Initiatives

History of Local Journalism Lecture

Community invited to explore history of journalism in Tompkins County

Historic Press Room and four individuals.jpg

The Tompkins County Public Information Advisory Board, in partnership with the Tompkins County Public Library, invites community members to attend "The History of Journalism in Tompkins County," a free public presentation exploring the evolution of local journalism and its continuing role in informing and connecting residents.

The presentation will take place Saturday, July 11, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room at the Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E. Green St., Ithaca.

The featured speaker will be local historian and Cornell University Visiting Lecturer Corey Ryan Earle, who will trace the development of journalism in Tompkins County from its earliest newspaper, the Seneca Republican in 1815, to today's evolving media landscape.

The event comes as communities across the country continue to navigate significant changes in how local news is produced, shared, and consumed. From print newspapers and radio broadcasts to digital platforms and social media, local journalism remains an essential resource for helping residents stay informed about the issues and decisions that shape their daily lives.

"Local journalism has long served as one of the foundations of an informed community," said Paul Boyer, member of the Tompkins County Public Information Advisory Board. "Understanding where our local news ecosystem has come from helps us appreciate both its historical significance and the opportunities and challenges facing local news organizations today. We hope this presentation inspires thoughtful conversation about why trusted local information continues to matter."

Read full press release

2026 Local News Day

Local media representatives accepts Local News Day 2026 Proclamation at April Tompkins County Legislature Meeting.jpeg

 

The Tompkins County Legislature proclaimed April 9, 2026 as Local News Day, a national initiative to recognize the importance of local news media and promote the sustainability of local news journalism. Thank you to those who joined us for a group picture as the Tompkins County Public Information Advisory Board sponsored and accepted the proclamation.

 

Pictured from the left in the back: Shawna Black (Chair, Tompkins County Legislature), Paxton Honerkamp (News Director, 93.5 WVBR 93.5 FM), Ron Van Ormer (Executive Director, The Ithaca Voice, and Tompkins County Public Information Advisory Board Member), Dan Wakeman (Tompkins County Legislator and Tompkins County Public Information Advisory Board Member), Jimmy Jordan (Managing Editor, The Ithaca Voice).
 
Pictured from the left in the front: Linda Holzbaur (Chair, Tompkins County Public Information Advisory Board), Barbara Adams (President, The Ithaca Voice Board of Directors), Monika Salvage (Tompkins County Communications Director), Aurora Berry (Ithaca Reporter, WSKG Public Media), Maddy Vogel (Managing Editor, Ithaca Times).

 

The reading of the proclamation and the text of the proclamation.
  

Publications