Alabama A&M University alumna Brittany Santiago has been recognized as one of five Rising Stars by “Columbus and The Valley” magazine, an honor that highlights her dedication to public service and community engagement in Georgia’s second most populous city after Atlanta. She will be featured in the magazine’s September/October issue, which spotlights emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the Columbus region.

An Atlanta native and 2010 graduate of Alabama A&M’s telecommunications program, Santiago has built an impressive 15-year career in journalism, media relations, and public affairs. After earning her MBA from Columbus State University in 2018, she combined her expertise in storytelling and strategy with her passion for service. Today, she serves as Director of Community Affairs and Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Columbus Police Department, a role she has held since September 2022.

“I manage internal and external communications for the Columbus Police Department, including media relations, public outreach campaigns, social media, crisis communications, and event coordination,” Santiago explained. “I also serve as the department’s spokesperson.”

Before stepping into law enforcement communications, Santiago worked behind the scenes in television news, beginning her career at WAAY-TV in Huntsville, Alabama, before rising to Executive Producer at WTVM in Columbus. There, she oversaw newscast production across three affiliate stations, led producers, developed promotional strategies, and coordinated philanthropic efforts. Her skill in managing people and messaging later led her to an Atlanta-based public relations firm, where she worked with Fortune 500 clients such as Aflac, SAIC, Chick-fil-A, Georgia Power, Unifi, and The Home Depot.

Her transition to law enforcement communications was a natural fit. While at WTVM, Santiago built lasting relationships with the Columbus Police Department, supporting initiatives such as “Chat with the Chief” and helping launch recruitment campaigns. Now inside the department, she continues to strengthen bonds between officers and the community. “What I enjoy most about my job is bridging the gap between CPD and the community we serve. Making information clear, timely, and accessible – and humanizing the people behind the badge – is what drives me every day.”

Her commitment has not gone unnoticed. Santiago was recently named Employee of the Year at the Columbus Police Department, earned multiple broadcast journalism awards earlier in her career, and was nominated for Nexstar’s Remarkable Women award. Still, she admits the Rising Star recognition feels particularly meaningful. “It’s an honor to be recognized in the city I serve. It tells me that the work I’m doing matters to the people who see it. I’ve always been the person behind the scenes, making sure my team shines. To now be recognized myself is both rewarding and humbling. But at the end of the day, it’s still about the team and the community I serve.”

Santiago says her foundation for success was laid at Alabama A&M University, where she played clarinet as a proud member of the Marching Maroon & White Band and Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority. She recalls the discipline, perseverance, and adaptability she learned on The Hill as central to her growth. “Being in the band and balancing academics with hands-on experience taught me how to manage multiple priorities, think on my feet, and communicate effectively. It also reinforced the importance of carving my own path and building strong relationships, lessons I carry with me in both my professional and personal life.”

Santiago’s connection to AAMU remains strong. She recently returned to campus to help her niece move in as a freshman, an experience that reminded her of how much the University has grown. “The new facilities and the 150th Anniversary campaign show AAMU’s commitment to student success, and I love it,” said Santiago. “As someone who works in communications, I’m also proud of how engaging AAMU’s social media presence has become. The team gets it.”

Her niece, S’Myria Bonner, is a freshman psychology major and cheerleader at Alabama A&M. Santiago says she played a major role in her niece choosing to attend her alma mater. A first-generation AAMU graduate, she is proud to see her family carrying on the Bulldog legacy.

At home in Columbus, Santiago and her husband Carlos are raising two sons, 9-year-old Tré and 1-year-old Bryson. Balancing work, family, and service is no easy feat, but she embraces the challenge with gratitude.

“Ultimately, I just want to bloom where I’m planted and keep making a difference right where I am.”