ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) Director Lillian Govus has been named the 2025 National Communicator of the Year by the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA).

The award, announced Thursday, is 3CMA’s highest individual honor and recognizes leaders whose work has had a significant impact locally and nationally.

“Each year, this award honors someone who doesn’t just do the job — they elevate it,” 3CMA said in a statement. “A communicator whose leadership and clarity don’t just inform — they reassure, connect and inspire.”

Govus was honored shortly after completing Buncombe County’s 86th and final community briefing on Tropical Storm Helene.

“Lillian Govus reminds us that public communication is not just about sharing information — it is about building trust, fostering resilience and ensuring that people know they are not alone,” 3CMA Executive Director Scott Lehtonen said in the news release. “Lillian’s work during Hurricane Helene is a testament to the power and purpose of local government communication.”

Buncombe County leaders praised Govus for her leadership during the storm and its aftermath.

“Lillian, in short order, became an invaluable asset to the county’s leadership team,” Assistant County Manager DK Wesley said in the release. “Her expert and strategic experience, coupled with genuine care and compassion, was clearly demonstrated during the Tropical Storm Helene preparation, response and now recovery.”

Govus said she was humbled by the award.

“I am so incredibly honored and proud of our team here, all we do and how we do it,” she said. “Having grown up in Western North Carolina, it has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve our community in this way.”

In addition to Govus’ recognition, Buncombe County’s CAPE Creative Services team earned a Silver Circle Award for its Solid Waste Transition Promotional Video. Judges praised the project’s use of humor and an avant-garde approach to encourage residents to sign up for a new trash hauler, calling it “engaging” and “entertaining” despite the subject matter.