Beyond projects and process - Meet the team personalizing government

Shaley Dehner, Communications Specialist

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Communications from Colorado State University in 2016. Upon graduating, I became a full-time production manager at the Johnstown Breeze. I then went on to copyedit for the Vail Daily and was an Advertising Services Assistant at the Greeley Tribune. But by late 2017, I was itching to put my writing and graphic design skills to use. That’s what led me to become a Communications Specialist with Weld County Government’s Public Information Office in 2018. While working here, I’ve also continued my education and recently earned a Master of Professional Studies degree in Publishing from George Washington University.

Since County Roots’ inception, I’ve contributed articles to this award-winning newsletter and have really enjoyed the challenge it brings. In 2019, I wrote a story that really moved me about the Reading for a Change program. The nonprofit program, facilitated through the Weld County Justice Services Department and the University of Northern Colorado’s Criminology department, pairs a work release client with a UNC student volunteer to record an audiobook of the clients' choosing for their 10-year-old or younger child. In my interview with one client, Eric Cano, he said, “This is something my daughter will cherish forever. … Now she knows I’m always with her.”

I fought back empathetic tears for this man and his daughter while interviewing him over the phone on a Tuesday afternoon. I couldn’t help but shed a few silent tears in my office the next day as I drafted this story — the reality that the program helped 119 clients at that time reconnect with loved ones was so inspiring to me. Such a simple program with such a huge impact on those involved — that’s what I wanted to get across with writing this story, and I feel I did.

Kristen Sigg, Communications Specialist

I’m a proud graduate of Eaton High School (Go Big Red!). I have a passion for content creation and storytelling and feel very blessed to be able to do this kind of work for the same county that raised me, Weld. I continued my education at Arizona State University, where I was fortunate enough to attend and graduate from The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

There is so much to tell about Weld County Government, especially those behind-the-scene moments where we can showcase the vital work that goes on every day. I have written stories showcasing donations of time, money, food, gifts and clothing to our foster care and kinship youth, and profiled the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, highlighting how Weld County efficiently distributed funds to residents in need by bringing the program in-house. Joining the Weld County Public Information team has allowed me to tap into my storytelling capabilities, content creation, and writing skills while also building relationships with those working for the county, and alongside it as community partners, to best serve public needs.

However, one story that has stuck with me recently is about a sophomore, Yaelyn Chavez, at Roosevelt High School and her experience with the Weld County Weld Works for Youth program. This program offers 14- and 15-year-old youth in Weld County the chance to not only earn money but gain real life experience working a 20-hour-a-week job during the months of June and July. Chavez used some of her earnings to be the first in her family to purchase a letterman jacket, a milestone she is quite proud of, and a story I was elated to tell.

Baker Geist, Communications Specialist

If I’m being honest, this wasn’t part of the plan.

When I had my first story published nearly two decades ago — a profile of a college football lineman recovering from a knee injury — my career goal in life was to tell more stories just like those. For me, the human-interest stories of sports make athletes’ accomplishments much greater.

And after graduating from Mesa State College — now Colorado Mesa University — with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, I did just that. In between a retail and radio job, I told the unique stories of several athletes across different sports for publications such as the Greeley Tribune, Glenwood Springs Post Independent and others in a freelance role.

Sports media is ultra-competitive, however. I needed a place where I could grow my skillset and write full-time. I’ve found that opportunity and more in my position with Weld County Government. Yes, I traded telling of touchdowns and home runs for stories about road repairs, assessed value and intergovernmental agreements, but in doing so I’ve been able to meet, work with and tell the stories of people who work hard every day doing their best on behalf of you, our residents.

Many of those stories you’ve read about in County Roots. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but as I think back on what I’ve written, the one most impactful to me was about Weld County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy Van DuVall and his inspirational quest to overcome physical challenges and return to full-time duty. That story, and the many others written by my talented co-workers, make me enjoy County Roots and my overall role with Weld County Government and happy that a career curveball (see, sports again) led me here!