1- Besides working as Managing Editor at the Daily Herald, what other communication-related experience do you have?
My professional life has been spent in news. I started my career in downstate Illinois as a radio news reporter. My beat focused on government and politics, which I’ve always enjoyed as a topic and still do to this day. Eventually, I accepted a position as a broadcaster in the greater Chicago metro. More recently, I was the Executive Editor of the Daily Herald and Standard-Examiner newspapers. I oversaw both of those operations simultaneously. I’ve also done some consulting work with newsrooms across the country.
2- What brought you to Eagle Mountain?
A career in news is not always family-friendly. Long hours, public scrutiny, demanding responsibilities and an odd work schedule are difficult. My wife (married five years) and I just recently had twins (a boy and a girl) and I wanted something that still utilized my skill set but without the burdens of journalism. Eagle Mountain’s Communications Manager position was ideal for my commute, for my schedule, for my interests and for my family. Plus, this area is growing like crazy and I like being part of a fast-changing and dynamic community.
3- What was the job interview process like?
The job interview was actually really fun. Apart from sharing a little with the City about my life, I enjoyed getting a chance to ask questions of my own about Eagle Mountain, its growth, and future projects. It took a couple of interviews to finalize the process but I think we recognized we were a good fit for each other.
4- If someone wanted to get into your line of work, what would be your suggestion for them?
Being a Public Information Officer and Communications Manager is a necessary function for sure. If someone wanted to get into this line of work, I’d first suggest having thick skin. While this is primarily a behind-the-scenes position, there can definitely be criticism if problems aren’t addressed in a timely manner or if the City’s messaging isn’t properly calibrated. This position really is about bringing together the City’s available resources and communicating how the public can best use that information to make good decisions for their lives.
5-What is your educational background?
I attended a liberal arts school, Hastings College, in south-central Nebraska and studied Journalism and Economics
6- Can you give us some details about your family?
My family is full of wonderful and amazing people, but I might be biased. My wife works in the nonprofit sector and previously worked as a youth director in the Presbyterian Church. She is, without question, the most thoughtful and considerate person I’ve ever met. She is an enormous blessing to the people around her. My twins are just over four months old and have hit that stage where they are sleeping through the night and are laughing and smiling. I love being a dad. Except for diaper duty. I could certainly pass on those responsibilities. A few years ago, my wife and I decided to sell everything we owned and travel the United States. We bought a truck and a fifth-wheel RV and set across the U.S. for about 18 months. I have so many stories and life experiences from our travels I don’t think I could fit them all here.
7- What is your official title for Eagle Mountain City?
Public Information Officer and Communications Manager.
8- What are some of your responsibilities for the City?
I run the City’s social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). I also write press releases, formulate responses to media inquiries, ghost-write most of the editorial submissions that appear in Utah’s news publications and periodicals, and coordinate projects that can help better facilitate the public’s interaction with its City government.
9- What does a typical day for you look like?
I start the day with a hearty breakfast of two eggs, oatmeal and blueberries. I make the drive from Saratoga Springs, get to the office around 7:45 a.m. and start planning our social media publishing day. There is a lot that happens at City Hall so it’s important that everything is kept straight. Often, we have citizen inquiries that need a response so I will try to locate information relevant to those questions and be sure to get back to those folks. Next, I typically sit in on meetings with City management, the Mayor, a state agency or whoever needs me to be present to ensure questions are answered and information is communicated. I eat every three hours so I will grab my first lunch of chicken, avocado and white rice. With some regularity, we are in need of responses to local news media, press releases, or to have an article written for one of the local outlets discussing Eagle Mountain. I will try to take care of that in the early afternoon. It’s typically time for second lunch around then so I eat sweet potato with steak. I should probably mention that I don’t take a lunch break. I just warm it up in the microwave and eat while I work. Then it’s onto special projects. If there’s something I need to research, document, write an analysis on or formulate a proposal for, I can handle that in the late afternoon. By that time, I need to recheck social media to answer more questions. It’s typically quitting time around then so I drive home, eat my next meal (salmon and rice) and spend time with my family. Then I head to the gym, walk my dogs, help feed my kids before bed, read a book and call it a night.
Works by Tyler Maffitt (before this position)
Daily Herald
Top 5 business stories of 2019 in Utah County – Dec 27, 1029 Cancellation of community events prompts entertainment coverage changes in Ticket – Mar 19, 2020Standard-Examiner
Cancellation of community events prompts entertainment coverage changes in GO! – Mar 19, 2020St Geroge News
4.2 magnitude earthquake reported near Pioche, Nevada; seismic activity felt in Southern Utah – June 30, 2019
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.