Critical Competencies for PIO Leaders
Critical Competencies for PIO Leaders
The Executive Public Information Officer Program (EPIOP) is the final component of the public information training series. This program consists of a three (3) course series that prepares public information officers for executive-level leadership, strategic decision-making, and trusted advisor roles.
The program focuses on the most critical competencies for public information leaders. EPIOP participants work within a collaborative environment on projects and establish a network of peers.
EPIOP participants will contribute to the body of knowledge for public information.
EPIO Paper Requirement
The EPIO paper is the culminating experience of all EPIO participants designed to reflect the EPIO participant’s commitment to lead the future of public information.
The EPIO paper is an original paper, developed and finalized over the course of the 10 month program. Strict deadlines are assigned during key stages and failure to meet the deadlines will preclude a participant from completing the program.
Previous EPIO Papers
Executive PIO student papers can be found in the NTEC Library Catalog:
Search EPIO PapersWho Should Apply
EPIOP is for public information officers with the pertinent background and extensive experience as a public information officer who have demonstrated a sphere of influence capable of advancing the relevance of whole community external affairs.
All applicants to the EPIO program must have successfully completed the Advanced Public Information Officer Program
Classroom Course Requirements
The EPIO program consists of the following 3 classroom courses, comprising 15 days (120 hours) of learning. Attendance at each course is mandatory.
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E0389: Executive Public Information Leadership
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E0393: Executive Public Information Management
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E0394: Executive Public Information Application
Fiscal Year Course Schedule
The EPIO on campus classroom courses are typically scheduled as one cohort series per fiscal year. The courses are not offered individually. Candidates selected to a cohort must attend each course in sequence, and in person, throughout the series progression.
FY 2025
- E0389: Dec 2-6, 2024
- E0393: Apr 7-11, 2025
- E0394: Sep 15-19, 2025
Tentative FY 2026
- E0389: Dec 8-12, 2025
- E0393: Jun 8-12, 2026
- E0394: Sep 14-18, 2026
EPIO Selection Process
The National Disaster & Emergency Management University (NDEMU) Emergency Management Professional Program Branch will start accepting applications for the Executive Public Information Officer Program (EPIOP) April 1, 2025 – June 2, 2025 for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Cohort. A formal selection board will convene to review the application packages with an announcement of the results made to applicants in August.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following requirements:
- Completion of the Advanced Public Information Officer Program
- Pertinent background and extensive experience as a public information officer
- Basic PIO instructional experience (recommended not required)
- Substantial continuing service and commitment to the field
- Sphere of influence to advance whole community external affairs
There are a limited number of spaces for the cohort and applications are expected to be very competitive in nature. Applicants are encouraged to review all selection and application requirements before submitting their application package.
Application packages will be reviewed by the selection committee.
How to Apply
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Verify Qualification
- Review and verify the candidacy requirements for selection to the EPIO program
- Application open period for FY 2026 will open April 1, 2025 – June 2, 2025
- Incomplete applications, and applications submitted outside of the open period will not be considered
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Download Application Package
The EPIO Application Package Document is the only acceptable document to complete when applying to the EPIO program. Incomplete packages and additional attachments will not be considered.
- Download the fillable PDF application package below
- Save the document in the format required for submission:
- LastnameFirstname.EPIO.FY26 (e.g. PolitanoPhilip.EPIOP.FY26)
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Complete the EPIO Application Package
Complete the EPIO application form within the space provided with this document. This is the only acceptable document to complete when applying to the EPIO program. Incomplete packages and additional attachments will not be considered.
What to include in EPIO application package:
- Candidate Information
- A cover letter requesting consideration for admission to the program and specifying the applicant’s qualifications and expectations of the program
- Resume
- Executive Public Information Officer Program Commitment Statement indicating a commitment to complete the entire program, which consists of the three resident courses at NDEMU and the EPIOP Paper.
- Executive Public Information Officer Program Questionnaire
- A Recommendation letter from your Supervisor
- Signatures section has a location for the electronic signatures of both the applicant and the applicant’s supervisor
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Submit Application Package
For consideration of selection to the EPIO program, simply email the completed application package document to FEMA-NDEMU_PIO_Program@fema.dhs.gov.
- The application package is the only document accepted
- Incomplete packages and additional attachments will not be considered
- Ensure the package file name meets the required format above
Once the selection board concludes, you will be notified of the selection status via the email address provided during application.
Tuition and Travel Reimbursement
There is no cost of tuition for the Public Information Officer courses.
Some individuals taking courses at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland may be eligible for stipend reimbursement. For information about travel reimbursement eligibility and procedures, see the NETC Welcome Package.
Eligible for stipend reimbursement
- State, local or tribal government representatives.
- Recognized volunteer organization representatives.
- Active emergency management organization representatives.
- Representatives from state or local fire organizations
Not eligible for reimbursement
- Federal government. (Federal students are subject to federal travel regulations and travel under orders prepared by their office.)
- Private industry employees.
- Employees who are contracted to federal, state, or local government entities (such as rural-metro departments).
- Representatives of a foreign organization.
Further Information
For more information about the EPIO program, please see the EMPP list of frequently asked questions
For further inquiries about the EPIO program, please see the EMPP points of contact list
