Member Highlight: Meet Alicia Hill
From the Newsroom to the Press Briefing Room: How Alicia Hill Tells the Stories Behind Public Safety
Alicia Hill
Current Role: Director of Communications, Tallahassee Police Department
FPRA Member Since: 2025
A Tallahassee native with a passion for storytelling and community connection, Alicia Hill brings more than seven years of broadcast journalism experience to her work in public safety communications. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University and a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing and Communication Management from Florida State University. In 2020, she returned home from Charlotte, North Carolina, to become the first civilian Director of Communications for the Tallahassee Police Department, where she serves as a key liaison between the department and local media, leading strategic communications efforts focused on transparency, clarity, and trust.
We asked Alicia how she stays inspired and connected in the communications field.
Why FPRA?
“Transitioning from journalism into public relations felt isolating at times. I was navigating a world I understood, but without the familiar community I once had. Joining FPRA gave me the opportunity to rebuild that sense of connection. What I love most about being a member is the access to a network of professionals who truly understand the day-to-day realities of this work. It’s a space where I can both learn from others and share experiences, whether that’s collaborating on ideas, gaining new perspectives, or occasionally having a safe place to vent. Being part of FPRA has made the industry feel a lot less lonely and a lot more collaborative.”
What advice would you give to someone starting in communications?
“My advice to someone starting in communications is to find a mentor early and don’t be afraid to ask questions, every single one you’re curious about! Don’t leave any stone unturned. Whether it’s understanding the day-to-day, navigating work-life balance, or learning what it takes to operate at the executive level, those insights are invaluable. Most importantly, never stop learning. This field is constantly evolving, and the most successful communicators are the ones who stay curious, adaptable, and open to growth.”
What inspires you most about your work?
“One of the most inspiring parts of my work is the opportunity to tell the stories of officers beyond the uniform. Being married to a member of law enforcement, in addition to working in this field, gives me a unique perspective that I don’t take for granted. I’ve seen firsthand the human side of the job. I’ve seen the sacrifices, the challenges, and the moments that often go unseen. Whether through storytelling, video, or community engagement, I truly enjoy creating opportunities for people to see the individual behind the badge. Those stories have the power to build understanding, foster trust, and remind us of the shared humanity at the center of it all.”
Fun Facts
- Favorite way to unwind: Quality time with family, whether relaxing at home or making memories together. It’s how she resets, recharges, and stays grounded.
- Go-to industry resources: The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), thought leaders and firms like Julie Parker Communications, and professional groups on LinkedIn for real-time peer learning.
- Signature pump-up music: Anything by Beyoncé. “She never misses when I need a boost.” Comfort-movie rotation includes Hitch, Bad Boys II, 13 Going on 30, and Mulan.
More About Alicia
In addition to her professional work, Alicia has taught at all three higher education institutions in Tallahassee, serving as an adjunct professor at Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College, and as a graduate assistant at Florida State University while earning her master’s degree. She stays connected to the next generation of communicators through speaking engagements in college classrooms, where she says she often learns as much from the students as they learn from her.
Prior to her role in public safety, Alicia spent more than seven years as a reporter and anchor with FOX46 in Charlotte and WCTV in Tallahassee, earning several awards for her work as a storyteller. Her first job at WCTV taught her the value of versatility. In a fast-paced newsroom, she learned to adapt, problem-solve, and step into whatever role was needed, a mindset that continues to shape how she approaches communications today.
Above all, Alicia is grounded in her faith and family. She is married to her husband, Justin, and is the proud mother of their two daughters, Harley Ann and Harper Rae. She remains driven by a commitment to serve, lead with authenticity, and make a meaningful difference in her community, while championing the irreplaceable role of human connection in communications, even in the age of AI.