Jeremy Bertrand: WSDOT’s Social Media Guy

Posted by admin

May 27, 2009

Ah, traffic, the unavoidable part of our day that reminds us that we haven’t yet sprouted wings or invented teleporters. To almost all of us around the Seattle area, it’s just an accepted part of living in our beautiful city. Thankfully, though, there are some great people at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) who are trying to help keep us out of long commutes and traffic jams. Not long ago, I spoke with Jeremy Bertrand, the man who heads the WSDOT’s social media program, about how the department uses social media.

After you’ve made your way through rush-hour traffic to get to a social media event in the Seattle area, be sure to look for Jeremy. Aside from providing vital information about traffic conditions in Washington, he is a great guy to chat with.

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Jeremy Bertrand

2. E-mail?
Work: bertraj@wsdot.wa.gov
Personal: jbertrand@gmail.com

3. What is your occupation/company?
I manage the WSDOT website (wsdot.wa.gov) and the department’s Internet marketing.

4. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area? (if applicable)
Originally from Shelton, I was a small town kid who I moved to the “big city” of Olympia. I graduated from Evergreen State College and met my wife on my graduation night. Olympia is a great place to raise kids and has very little traffic to deal with.

5. How can people find you on the web?
I am most actively on my Twitter account, twitter.com/jbertrand, and twittering for work twitter.com/wsdot. I have a website at jeremybertrand.com (but don’t update it much) and manage the campaign “Bring Back Our Stubby” to bring the Olympia beer in a bottle back: bringbackourstubby.com (there’s also a page on Facebook).

Social Media:

6. Why do you like social media?
It reminds us that we are all connected.

7. How do you utilize social media?
Basically, we want to reach audiences with information that could be very valuable to them. We have also found it helps people gain a better understanding of how government works and what we do.

8. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
Social media is just the current buzzword for what the Internet has been providing for some time: a way to connect. I hear many folks concerned about risk, but they already took the first step into the pond by having a website; the next step is to start having the conversation. There has never been a better time on the web to start having this conversation. The amount of tools available and the success they are having are just astounding.

9. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
I am a Sounders and soccer fan. I love food, beer, movies, and enjoy conversations with others about current events or campaigns. I also pay close attention to how government agencies are being innovative on the Internet.

10. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Very smart, energetic, and growing. We have a very innovative culture in the Puget Sound area; it’s fantastic to be involved in it.

11. Do you have a good social media success story or “wow” moment?
The real “wow” moments for me came this past winter when we started updating Twitter with weather, storm, and road closure information. One Sunday evening, I put out a call for snow totals and received an amazing amount of feedback letting me know conditions all across the state. Within minutes, I knew the road conditions and weather for the entire Pacific Northwest. The power of the community was really incredible.

12. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about? Please include dates, locations, etc. Where can more information be found?
I have been talking with Sabra Schneider of King County and we are looking to put together a social media conference for government agencies this summer. We haven’t put anything together formally, but we will let you know through SMC Seattle once we do.

Just For Fun:

13. What are your hobbies?
Playing and watching soccer, playing chess, watching movies, reading, sampling beer, and spending time with my kids.

14. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Grew up vacationing on the Oregon beaches. Love getting away and pondering the complexity of life while watching the ocean.

15. Favorite restaurant in Seattle? Favorite food?
For restaurants, I will have to go with my Olympia favorites. Lemon Grass has the best Thai food around. And for a sandwich, you can’t beat Meconi’s.

16. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Because of some very clever marketing companies, I have been very lucky to see some of my favorite soccer teams come to the Pacific Northwest to play. Being a Sounders season ticket holder, this summer looks to be a great one for soccer with Chelsea and FC Barcelona coming to town. Other than sporting events and concerts, I usually stay away from Seattle. I am not a fan of the traffic.

17. Most embarrassing CD you own?
Probably the Madonna Immaculate Collection.

18. Any hidden talents?
I can close one eye without squinting. It’s a terrible party trick.

19. What would you like everyone to know about you?
I am very fortunate to work at a public agency and surrounded by some great co-workers and management that provide a fantastic framework for innovation. Being a public servant is something that feels great at the end of the day, even if I am only helping folks get to their destination with a little less stress. State employees don’t get the credit that they deserve. Also, I like beer and bbq because they are both delicious.