Member Spotlight: Caitlin Barbieri

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your current position?

I moved to Richmond permanently in 2022 after accepting a job with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). The move was an easy decision because I have a lot of friends and family in Richmond, and I love the city.

I am the intergovernmental affairs coordinator at VDEM. In my role, I help oversee the Agency’s legislative priorities and outreach to state legislators. During emergencies, I am the elected official liaison and work with the Joint Information Center (JIC) to make sure state legislators are getting the important information they need to support their communities. Outside of emergencies, I develop informational resources for state legislators and the governor’s office and work with various divisions within VDEM to identify needs and craft legislative solutions.

Where are you from? Where did you go to school?

I grew up in Fairfax County and went to college at VCU. At VCU, I studied print and online journalism, which is where my interest in state government first developed.

How long have you been in PR?

I graduated from VCU in 2018 and got a communications job with an emergency management and homeland security contracting firm. In that role, I was supporting VDEM’s legislative priorities as a contractor, and I worked with VDEM for two years before joining the Agency full time in 2022.

Can you share why you decided to join PRSA Richmond?

In college, I really enjoyed being a part of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). When I got the opportunity to join PRSSA with some of my co-workers, I was excited to be a part of a similar organization. I really appreciate the community and connections that are offered by professional societies and learning from other professionals in the field.

When you’re not working, what are some of your hobbies or things you are passionate about?

At home, I have more than 60 house plants that I try my best to keep alive. I got into house plants in 2019 with a Money Tree, and my collection quickly grew from there. I love getting new plants and learning about their unique needs. I will often propagate my plants and gift the propagations to family and friends.

What’s your favorite local restaurant or hangout spot?

My go-to spots are Liberty Public House and Cobra Cabana. Liberty Public House is my favorite brunch in Richmond, and the tofu wings at Cobra Cabana are fantastic. I always want to explore different restaurants around Richmond and try out new foods.

Would you like to be featured in a Member profile? Contact Membership Chair Kenita B. Matthews, APR, at kenita.bowers@gmail.com.