Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS)

Media Training Module 2: Press Conferences & Interviewing Skills
2026-01-13 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Massachusetts
Media Training for Municipal Officials
Module 2: Press Conferences & Interviewing Skills
January 13, 2026 | 9 AM EST | $199 per participant
Led by CSS’s Liz Kalaijian and Kirsten Glavin, this 2-hour interactive session will help you prepare for both scheduled and unscheduled media events with confidence and clarity.
Whether you’re delivering a key statement, managing a press room, or handling tough questions, this module blends practical exercises with real-world techniques to help you stay composed, credible, and on message.

What You’ll Learn

Prepare effectively for press conferences and interviews
Structure and deliver impactful press statements
Manage logistics and roles during press events
Master on-camera presence and body language
Handle challenging questions while staying on message
Avoid common interview missteps

Register Now!

Join us at Connect 351 (formerly the MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show)
2026-01-22 08:00 - 2026-01-24 17:00 | Menino Convention & Exhibition Center and Omni Hotel in Boston’s Seaport District, 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02210, United States
From January 22–24, 2026, members of the CSS team will be on site connecting with municipal leaders from across Massachusetts, sharing ideas, and talking about the real-world challenges and opportunities facing local government today. Connect 351 brings together the largest municipal trade show in New England, along with educational workshops, policy discussions, and invaluable opportunities to collaborate with peers.
If you’re attending, we’d love to see you — visit us at Booth #203 and say “hello”.

Media Training Module 3: Leading Through Crisis — Mastering the Message
2026-01-29 09:00 - 11:00 | Massachusetts
Media Training for Municipal Officials
Module 3: Leading Through Crisis — Mastering the Message
January 29, 2026 | 9 AM EST | $199 per participant
Join Liz Kalaijian and Kirsten Glavin for Module 3: Leading Through Crisis – Mastering the Message, a two-hour, hands-on session designed to strengthen your crisis communication skills.

Municipal officials and public safety professionals will learn how to communicate effectively during emergencies and high-pressure situations. From crafting clear, timely messages to managing media scrutiny with composure, this module will help you lead with confidence when your community needs it most.

What You’ll Learn

Define what constitutes a crisis and the types of crises municipalities face
Understand the media’s role during emergencies
Activate communication protocols and coordinate with partner agencies
Develop real-time messages that inform and reassure the public
Recognize and combat misinformation and disinformation
Plan for the aftermath of a crisis and sustained communication

Register Now!

Capital Strategic Solutions and CaseGuard Join Forces to Host Lunch & Learn on Public Records and Technology
2026-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Massachusetts
Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS), in partnership with CaseGuard, will host a virtual Lunch & Learn focused on the evolving intersection of public records management, compliance, and technology on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST. The session will bring together public safety professionals, higher education leaders, and technology experts to share real-world insights on how agencies can navigate increasing public records demands while maintaining transparency, efficiency, and data security.
A Practical Conversation on Public Records Challenges
Public records requests will continue to grow in volume and complexity, placing significant operational and legal pressure on agencies. This Lunch & Learn will create space for an open, practitioner-driven discussion on best practices, common pitfalls, and how modern technology can support compliance without overwhelming staff.
Public records management will no longer be viewed as just a legal requirement—it will be framed as a strategic function that directly impacts public trust, workload sustainability, and organizational reputation.
Featured Speakers and Perspectives
The session will feature a distinguished panel of professionals with deep experience across law enforcement, higher education, and public sector technology:

Edward Burman, Retired Wayland Police Chief and Senior Project Manager at Capital Strategic Solutions, will share frontline perspectives on public records from a law enforcement standpoint, highlighting the importance of accuracy, consistency, and defensibility in records production, as well as the impact of collective bargaining considerations related to body-worn cameras.
James Desmond, of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, will offer insight into large-scale public records operations, sharing lessons learned from managing high volumes of requests and the importance of scalable, reliable systems.
Patti Grigas, Deputy Chief at Regis College and Senior Project Manager at Capital Strategic Solutions, will speak to her experience at the intersection of public records, public safety, privacy considerations, and institutional accountability.
Tom Peine, of CaseGuard, will provide an overview of how technology can streamline records review, redaction, and release. He will discuss how automation and AI-assisted tools can significantly reduce turnaround times while helping agencies meet legal standards.

Speakers will discuss how successful implementation depends not only on software, but also on training, policy alignment, and organizational buy-in.
Strengthening Transparency Through Collaboration
The event will underscore the value of collaboration between consulting partners, technology providers, and public sector professionals. By sharing experiences across disciplines, agencies will be able to learn from one another and adopt solutions that are both practical and sustainable.
Capital Strategic Solutions will remain committed to supporting agencies through expert guidance, project management, and partnerships that enhance transparency and operational effectiveness.
Register Today!
Looking Ahead
As public expectations for access and accountability continue to rise, conversations like this Lunch & Learn will be essential. CSS and CaseGuard will look forward to continuing the dialogue and helping agencies modernize their public records processes with confidence.
Public records demands are growing – are you ready? Join us for this Lunch & Learn to hear from industry leaders and explore practical strategies for compliance, efficiency and transparency.

Join Us in Worcester for the 2026 FCAM Professional Development Conference
2026-02-24 08:00 - 2026-02-26 17:00 | Worcester DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01608
We’re excited to share that the Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS) team will be attending the 2026 Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM) Professional Development Conference, taking place Tuesday, February 24 through Thursday, February 26, at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. This year’s theme, “Ignite, Adapt, Overcome: Leading in Today’s Fire Service,” speaks directly to the realities of modern fire service leadership — and we’re proud to be part of the conversations focused on what it takes to lead through change. The annual FCAM conference is an important opportunity to connect with fire chiefs and fire service leaders from across the Commonwealth. For us, it’s more than just attending — it’s about listening, learning, and sharing how we can support the critical work departments do every day to keep communities safe. We’re looking forward to connecting with attendees, hearing what’s top of mind for departments, and exploring ways CSS can help with strategic, forward-thinking solutions.
Meet Our Team

Nichol Figueiredo, Chief Executive Officer
Patti Grigas, Senior Project Manager
Ed Burman, Senior Project Manager

If you’ll be there, we’d love to see you! Stop by to say hello, reconnect, and learn more about how CSS can partner with your department. We can’t wait to see old friends and meet new colleagues in Worcester this February!

Rhode Island League of Cities & Towns 2026 ANNUAL CONVENTION
2026-03-19 08:00 - 17:00 | 801 Greenwich Ave, Warwick, R.I., 801 Greenwich Ave, Warwick, RI, 02886, United States
Rhode Island League of Cities & Towns 2026 Annual ConventionMarch 19 | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PMCrowne Plaza at the Crossings, Warwick, RI
Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS) will be exhibiting at the 2026 Rhode Island League of Cities & Towns Annual Convention on March 19. This annual event brings together elected officials, department heads, and municipal professionals from across Rhode Island to exchange ideas, discuss emerging challenges, and explore practical solutions that strengthen local government.
If you’re attending, be sure to stop by Booth #60 to meet the CSS team and learn how we help municipalities move priorities forward through strategic planning, public outreach, organizational assessments, and capital project communications.
Featured Workshop Session
Uniting Your Community with a Municipal Strategic PlanSession III | 1:00 – 2:00 PMNarragansett Room
Speaker:William Keegan, Senior Project Manager, Capital Strategic Solutions
This session will explore how a well-crafted municipal strategic plan helps communities align leadership priorities, engage stakeholders, and create a clear roadmap for achieving long-term goals.
We look forward to connecting with Rhode Island communities at this year’s convention.

2026 Spring Joint Regional Conference & Exhibition – NEWWA
2026-04-01 08:00 - 2026-04-02 17:00 | Worcester DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01608
Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS) plans to attend the 2026 New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) Spring Joint Regional Conference & Exhibition this April.
The NEWWA Spring Conference brings together water and wastewater professionals from across New England to focus on infrastructure, regulatory requirements, sustainability, and the evolving needs of utility operations.
For CSS, this conference is an opportunity to connect with utility leaders, engineers, and public works professionals, learn from ongoing regional initiatives, and share insights from our work supporting water and wastewater utilities through communications, planning, and community engagement.
We look forward to participating in conversations that help advance resilient, transparent, and effective water systems across the region. Additional details will be added as plans are finalized.

2026 Spring Technical Session for the NBM Highway Association
2026-04-08 08:30 - 13:00 | Stoneforge Tavern & Public House, 90 Paramount Drive, Raynham, MA, 02767, United States
Nichol Figueiredo and Jennifer Thompson will be presenting…
Road Work Ahead… and So Are the Emails
This presentation explores how strategic public outreach can help municipalities build support for infrastructure projects and strengthen their ability to secure funding. Effective communication before, during, and after construction not only reduces complaints and project delays, but also plays a critical role in gaining community buy-in, including support at Town Meeting and in competitive grant applications. The session will highlight practical outreach strategies, tools, and messaging approaches that help Highway and Public Works leaders clearly communicate project benefits, address concerns, and position projects for successful approval and implementation.

Florida Water Resources Conference (FWRC) 2026
2026-04-27 08:00 - 2026-04-28 17:00 | Ocean Center, 101 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL, 32118, United States
April 27–28 | Trade Show Floor OpenOcean Center, Daytona Beach, FL
CSS will be exhibiting at the 2026 Florida Water Resources Conference (FWRC) at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.
FWRC brings together water and wastewater professionals from across Florida to explore emerging challenges, share best practices, and advance solutions related to infrastructure, operations, and regulatory requirements.
If you’re attending, be sure to visit the CSS team on the trade show floor to learn how we support utilities through strategic communications, public outreach, and community engagement. Look for us at booth 947!
CSS Team Attending:Nichol Figueiredo | Patti Grigas | Paul Scott | Staci Figueiredo
Featured Presentation
Breaking the Water Bubble: Communicating Beyond the IndustryApril 28
Speakers:Nichol Figueiredo, CEO, Capital Strategic SolutionsPatti Grigas, Capital Strategic Solutions
This session will explore how water professionals can move beyond industry language and connect more effectively with the public—using clear messaging, accessible communication strategies, and outreach approaches that resonate with broader audiences.

We look forward to connecting with colleagues from across Florida and contributing to conversations that support clear, effective, and community-focused water communication.

CSS x PIO Toolkit: First Amendment Auditors & Citizen Journalists
2026-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Massachusetts
Wednesday, May 20, 2026  at 12:00 PM EST
What should your staff say — or not say — when someone walks in with a camera rolling? This live session covers the legal boundaries, de-escalation language, and professional strategies government teams need to handle First Amendment auditors, influencers, and citizen journalists. You’ll leave with a printable legal quick-reference guide your whole team can use.
Register Here

Meet Christine, Grab Your Lunch
Christine Townsend is an internationally recognized strategic communications expert with more than 30 years of experience across journalism, policing, and government communications. She specializes in crisis communication, media strategy, and community engagement, helping public sector organizations build trust and navigate complex, high-stakes situations. Christine is the founder and editor-in-chief of PIO Toolkit, a global platform supporting government communicators, and has trained agencies worldwide in effective public engagement strategies. Her career includes serving as Director of Communications for the City of London Police, where she led communications for major international events and critical incidents, and advising government and public safety organizations across the U.S., U.K., and beyond. At Capital Strategic Solutions, she supports clients in developing strategic communications, crisis response frameworks, and meaningful community engagement initiatives.

CSS x PIO Toolkit: Managing Misinformation in Real Time
2026-05-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Massachusetts
Wednesday, May 27, 2026  at 12:00 PM EST
When a false narrative about your agency starts spreading, you have minutes to respond. This live session gives you a proven triage process, messaging language that protects credibility, and internal coordination strategies for when leadership, legal, and operations all want different things. You’ll leave with a printable triage grid and messaging checklist you can use immediately.
Register Here

Meet Christine, Grab Your Lunch
Christine Townsend is an internationally recognized strategic communications expert with more than 30 years of experience across journalism, policing, and government communications. She specializes in crisis communication, media strategy, and community engagement, helping public sector organizations build trust and navigate complex, high-stakes situations. Christine is the founder and editor-in-chief of PIO Toolkit, a global platform supporting government communicators, and has trained agencies worldwide in effective public engagement strategies. Her career includes serving as Director of Communications for the City of London Police, where she led communications for major international events and critical incidents, and advising government and public safety organizations across the U.S., U.K., and beyond. At Capital Strategic Solutions, she supports clients in developing strategic communications, crisis response frameworks, and meaningful community engagement initiatives.

CSS x PIO Toolkit: Crisis Communications Under Pressure
2026-06-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Massachusetts
Wednesday, June 3, 2026  at 12:00 PM EST
When a crisis hits, the communicator’s job isn’t just messaging — it’s managing pace, politics, and pressure all at once. This live session covers what the first hour actually looks like from the PIO’s seat, how to issue statements when facts are still developing, and how to manage leadership, media, and your own wellbeing simultaneously. You’ll leave with a first-hour crisis playbook including holding statement templates.
Register Here

Meet Christine, Grab Your Lunch
Christine Townsend is an internationally recognized strategic communications expert with more than 30 years of experience across journalism, policing, and government communications. She specializes in crisis communication, media strategy, and community engagement, helping public sector organizations build trust and navigate complex, high-stakes situations. Christine is the founder and editor-in-chief of PIO Toolkit, a global platform supporting government communicators, and has trained agencies worldwide in effective public engagement strategies. Her career includes serving as Director of Communications for the City of London Police, where she led communications for major international events and critical incidents, and advising government and public safety organizations across the U.S., U.K., and beyond. At Capital Strategic Solutions, she supports clients in developing strategic communications, crisis response frameworks, and meaningful community engagement initiatives.

CSS x PIO Toolkit: Communicating with Leadership & Officials
2026-06-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Massachusetts
Wednesday, June 10, 2026  at 12:00 PM EST
The hardest part of government comms isn’t the message — it’s getting leadership to understand why it matters. This live session covers how to manage up effectively, navigate elected officials with their own comms instincts, and position yourself as a strategic adviser rather than a task-taker. You’ll leave with a managing-up toolkit including briefing templates and scripts for common friction points.
Register Here

Meet Christine, Grab Your Lunch
Christine Townsend is an internationally recognized strategic communications expert with more than 30 years of experience across journalism, policing, and government communications. She specializes in crisis communication, media strategy, and community engagement, helping public sector organizations build trust and navigate complex, high-stakes situations. Christine is the founder and editor-in-chief of PIO Toolkit, a global platform supporting government communicators, and has trained agencies worldwide in effective public engagement strategies. Her career includes serving as Director of Communications for the City of London Police, where she led communications for major international events and critical incidents, and advising government and public safety organizations across the U.S., U.K., and beyond. At Capital Strategic Solutions, she supports clients in developing strategic communications, crisis response frameworks, and meaningful community engagement initiatives.

2026 IACLEA Annual Conference & Exposition
2026-06-25 - 2026-06-28 | Caribe Royale Orlando, 8101 World Center Dr, Orlando, FL, 32821, United States
2026 IACLEA (International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators) Annual Conference & Exposition
CSS is pleased to join CaseGuard at the 2026 IACLEA Annual Conference & Exposition, the premier event for campus law enforcement and public safety professionals.
The conference, hosted by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, will feature general sessions with subject matter experts, more than 45 breakout sessions, hands-on demonstrations, an exposition showcasing the latest products and services, and valuable networking opportunities for campus public safety leaders.
Visit Us at Booth 113
Representatives from CaseGuard and Capital Strategic Solutions will be available at Booth 113 to discuss how agencies can modernize records, evidence, public records, and communications workflows.
Booth Representatives:

Tom Peine, CaseGuard
Nichol Figueiredo, Capital Strategic Solutions
Patti Grigas, Capital Strategic Solutions
Christine Townsend, Capital Strategic Solutions

About CSS + CaseGuard
Capital Strategic Solutions and CaseGuard help public safety and government agencies modernize records and evidence workflows.
CaseGuard provides AI-powered redaction, transcription, and translation solutions across video, audio, images, documents, and transcripts. The platform is optimized for body-worn camera footage, dashcam footage, investigative files, and public records requests, and supports agencies working to meet CJIS, FOIA, and state public records obligations.
CSS complements this technology with expertise in public safety, public administration, finance, procurement, grants, strategic communications, and Public Information Officer operations. CSS helps agencies secure, implement, and maximize critical technology investments while improving internal workflows and public-facing processes.
Together, CSS and CaseGuard help agencies reduce workload and risk, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen public trust.
