The Power of Good Communication — Getting Organized, Staying Focused, and Fighting Smarter

You know, a lot of us in organized labor and the nonprofit world sometimes don’t realize what we don’t know. We’ve seen leaders do things the same way for so long that we start to believe there’s no other way. We get into routines, and before we know it, we’re just doing what’s always been done.

And honestly, strategic communications often aren’t on our minds until we’re already in the middle of a fight. But it’s such a powerful tool. It’s about having a clear, well-thought-out message—making sure we’re protecting our reputation, advancing our goals, and truly engaging our members and supporters. It’s about advocacy, keeping our members informed and motivated, managing how the public sees us, and making sure our internal messaging is transparent. And yes, it’s about reaching the right people—policymakers, the media, the community—through tailored messages that resonate.

When I work with a new client, I always take my time. We get into the small stuff—like choosing the right words—and I really try to get them thinking about who they’re actually talking to. Then, I help them put together an easy-to-follow plan that they can put into action without feeling overwhelmed.

And, more often than not, once we get that strategic plan in motion, things start to shift. Momentum builds, and battles that once seemed impossible suddenly become winnable. That’s the power of good communication—getting organized, staying focused, and fighting smarter.

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Mark Treglio is the President of NEP Services, where he manages the day to day operations of this rapidly growing tech and communications company that serves over 600 police and fire organizations nationwide.

Prior to joining NEP, Mark oversaw communications at the International Association of Fire Fighters. He was responsible for many of the union’s innovations and advancements in communications, including the Strategic Campaigns program and the IAFF Communications Training Academy.

Mark retired from the Jacksonville (FL) Fire & Rescue Department. He was the Communications Director for his home local, IAFF Local 122. During the great recession, he developed a communications strategy that successfully fended off an all out assault on the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund by national think tanks the Arnold Foundation, Americans For Prosperity, the Tea Party, the Pew Foundation and more.

Mark hails from a law enforcement family, with his father being a retired NYPD Detective and his brother working in Homeland Security. He has a degree in criminal justice and is working towards a degree in Emergency and Disaster management.