Communications Office Staff

Ashley Strevel

Ashley Strevel

Director of Communications & Public Affairs

As director of the Communications & Public Affairs department, Strevel is responsible for leading public communication strategies, crisis communications, media relations, community affairs, and the development of strategic messaging for all city departments. The city’s communications department serves as a hub for other city communications with the goal of promoting accessibility for the community using all forms of communication platforms. Prior to joining the City, Strevel was a communications manager in higher education. She enjoys spending time with her husband, contributing to her community, and volunteering as a leader in her church.

Sam Hankins

Sam Hankins, Communications Specialist

Sam is responsible for writing and publishing internal and external communications to our staff, media, and the public, including news releases, blogs, columns, newsletters, and other content. Sam works with each department to help draft and edit written content and determine opportunities to publish news to the media, promote achievements, and distribute relevant information to the public in a timely manner. Prior to joining the City, Sam worked as a copy editor for print publications. In her spare time, she enjoys acting and writing for theatre, and she is pursuing an online master’s degree in Spanish translation and interpretation.

George Partida
Shane Blucher
Madeline Foxell

George Partida, Videographer

George is responsible for working with the Communications & Public Affairs director in collaboration with other departments, community partners, and vendors to produce quality media projects to educate citizens about the activities and services of the City. This role manages the City of Victoria municipal television channel, Vtv15, including the production of its original content. George manages and creates audio podcasts, radio programs, and other creative video outlets. Prior to joining the City, George worked for Faith Family Church as its media and television director. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 10 years and his church family.

Shane Blucher, Videographer/Multimedia Specialist

Shane is responsible for supporting the needs of the City of Victoria municipal television channel, Vtv15, and creates audio podcasts, radio programs, graphic design, and other creative video outlets. Prior to joining the City, Shane worked for UHV as a creative services manager. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, exercising, billiards, and good conversation and humor.

Maddie Foxell, Digital Media Specialist

As digital media specialist, Maddie will be responsible for coordinating our organization’s main social media accounts and supporting other department’s accounts, monitor our website analytics and some design, and finding creative opportunities to support each department’s communications efforts to engage our community. She will support all City departments in their social media and website goals, collaborate with our multimedia/video team, and assist the organization during its web redesign process. Prior to joining the City, Maddie worked at Victoria College as a marketing assistant. She was born and raised in Victoria with her local alma mater being from both VC and UHV. In her spare time she enjoys spending time on the coast, kayaking and traveling.