who we are
Founded in 2013, Costin Public Outreach Group, Inc. (CPOG) is a local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)/Small Business Enterprise (SBE) community outreach and public relations firm.
We engage with stakeholders and build relationships to empower people to take an action – whether that is to attend a public information meeting or sign up for construction notices. CPOG is cognizant of the vast range of issues related to large scale infrastructure projects that can impact the environment, traffic, way of life, local business operations, and community activities. With this knowledge, we develop and implement engagement and outreach strategies to meet the unique need of every project and are dedicated to every possible effort to support the impacted communities.
Our staff engage communities by developing two-way communication and provide stakeholders with information by being transparent about a project and its impacts. We combine our backgrounds in communications, advocacy, marketing, and public affairs to develop and implement integrative communications and outreach programs that inform and engage stakeholders of complex technical issues and help cultivate support for infrastructure improvements. We blend tried and true outreach strategies with cutting-edge technology.
We work with public agencies, local governments, community-based organizations, residential and business stakeholders, professional and non-profit organizations, and faith-based communities. Our team crafts the message our client needs to share, and shapes that message to educate stakeholders across multiple platforms in multiple languages. We play a crucial role as the public conduit for communication between the community and government entities and have provided marketing and public relations services for clients including OCTA, SBCTA, LA Metro, SANDAG, Metrolink, and Caltrans Districts 7, 8, and 12 to name a few.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
SARA COSTIN MOCKUS
As President of Costin Public Outreach Group, Inc., Sara leads the firms’ overall vision, planning and client service. For each client, she focuses on developing communications strategies and creating innovative approaches while delivering an outreach program to meet the project’s needs. Sara effectively delivers project information across multiple platforms to ensure stakeholders experience content and messaging through a variety of touch points. From feasibility to construction, she has developed and executed outreach programs for dozens of signature transportation projects that have transformed the landscape of southern California.
TINA DAY
Director of Community Outreach and Operations Manager
Tina’s 16 years of focus on transportation-related projects and event planning is based on a strong foundation of marketing, communications, relationship-building and strategy development that supports clients’ unique challenges and needs. She is skilled at translating technical information using clear language and descriptive graphics. She manages projects by providing stakeholder outreach and engagement through in-person, phone, email and social media. She coordinates with elected officials and stakeholders to ensure they are informed about and engaged in construction activities, conducts surveys and provides results.
SARAH SWENSSON KING
Director of Community Outreach
Sarah is an award-winning communications leader bringing 17 years of government, public, and media relations experience in the transportation industry – spanning surface transportation, transit, rail, toll facilities and aviation. She is skilled in implementing small- and large-scale public relations and social media programs, media strategies, crisis communications, and special events and has experience in all phases of a project from planning and environmental to design and construction. Her experience includes SBCTA I-10 Express Lanes and Zero-Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU) and Caltrans District 12 I-5 Managed Lanes and I-405 Asset Management Design-Build Project.
mARISA cAMPOS TRAUTZ
Director of Community Outreach and Talent Development
Marisa has more than 16 years of experience in creating and executing public awareness campaigns and strategic marketing communication plans on behalf of transportation projects throughout southern California. She has extensive experience in Orange, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties. She works to educate and engage stakeholders using a range of strategies and techniques to meet the needs and characteristics of the community. She has facilitated team meetings, planned and managed public meetings, presented to city councils and staff, worked with elected officials, stakeholders, the public and the media to disseminate key messages regarding a project, and she has managed and coordinated subconsultant and vendor efforts to execute tactics for the client’s project, project, or initiative. As Talent Development Manager, Marisa mentors the next generation of CPOG staff to help hone their talents and provide opportunities that nurture their interests while provide value for our clients.
MADISON VIOLA
Director of Community Outreach
Madison has more than 16 years of experience performing public outreach including agency and constituent coordination, collateral development and event planning such as groundbreakings, project dedications, open houses, and press conferences. She also has superior communication and organizational skills, fundamental to garnering community understanding and support for large-scale infrastructure projects. She has been responsible for overseeing day-to-day management and communications for several projects throughout San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange counties including OCTA West County Connectors, Caltrans District 7 I-5 Widening, and SBCTA SR 210 Lane Addition and Base Line Interchange Project. Madison is an expert in AP style and excels in a fast-paced environment , while maintaining attention to detail.