By Parker Leavitt
The Arizona Republic
Gilbert’s newly rebuilt communications department is looking to bolster its presence in the digital realm with mobile-phone applications, social networking and enhanced video production, all on a modest budget with less funding than many of its Valley peers.
Since arriving in Gilbert last April, Chief Digital Officer Dana Berchman has busily remade the communications office she oversees, eliminating several employee positions to make way for an entirely new team.
Gilbert’s previous public-information officer, website specialist and three audio-visual workers are gone, replaced by a media administrator, a multimedia specialist and two digital journalists.
The organizational changes haven’t come without controversy, but Berchman says the moves were aimed at tapping into a skill set that is more in line with Gilbert’s vision.
Also: 
/East Valley Tribune
