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Elgin has hired its first fulltime public information officer, bringing a familiar face to a newly created role.
Longtime journalist and Elgin resident Marcial Guajardo will oversee the city’s public communications, media relations and emergency communications. The hire comes as Elgin continues to grow and face increasingly complex issues requiring clear communication with residents, according to officials.
“I see my role here as basically just producing clarity for residents,” Guajardo said.
According to Guajardo, his initial focus will be learning the city’s operations and determining how to best provide residents with the information they need.
Guajardo will work directly under City Manager Robert Eads alongside Media Specialist Sonia Browder. Stacey Osborne, who has handled PIO duties since March 2025, will remain at her post through Aug. 28 to assist with the transition.
He brings more than two decades of communications and journalism experience to the position, including time with Elgin Independent School District and most recently the city of Round Rock.
Eads added Guajardo’s local knowledge will be an asset for the town.
“We are excited to have Marcial’s extensive experience, local knowledge, military service and commitment to public service supporting our organization and community,” Eads said in a statement.
According to Guajardo, being an Elgin resident gives him firsthand understanding of what information matters most to the community, from road projects to service disruptions. He plans to spend his first 90 days learning the city’s structure, staff and needs before creating a broader plan.
Guajardo said emergency communication will be an early priority, and the city will work with the Elgin Police Department to provide residents with as much information as possible.
“Coming from a news background … I lean towards transparency naturally, so it’s a nice fit,” he said. “There’s a lot of good already here in place, but I do have ideas in mind — but right now, it’s still a little too early.”
For Guajardo, success in the new position ultimately means keeping residents informed.
“I live here and I know the people here,” Guajardo said. “We want to try to be as open as possible about situations that arise.”
