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Garrigues and Spence
join ITD’s Office of Communication
amidst unique challenges, opportunities

Jillian Garrigues and Aubrie Spence are the two newest members of ITD’s Office of Communication, reporting to Communication Manager Vince Trimboli. Garrigues (pronounced guh-reegs; rhymes with “leagues”) started on March 23. Spence joined on April 6.

Jillian (pictured at right) was most recently a morning news anchor with KIVI Channel 6 in Boise. She will take over the DMV liaison role vacant since Jennifer Gonzalez left the agency last November. Aubrie’s prime responsibilities will be as the liaison with the Office of Highway Safety.

Jillian brings with her more than eight years of experience as a journalist and holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communication from Washington State University. For her, the opportunities were paramount.

“I’ve always loved communication and the opportunity to inform others. Last summer I finished my Masters Degree and was ready to make a career change. After years of 2 a.m. alarm clocks to anchor morning news, I now really appreciate a regular work and sleep schedule!”

For Spence, the route to ITD started in her childhood.

“When I was little, my uncle was a highway maintenance snowplow driver for ITD,” Spence said. “I thought he had the coolest job! For a long time, I wanted to grow up to drive tractors or snowplows. Since then I've worked in both communication and construction, so when the opportunity to apply for Public Information Officer at ITD opened up, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Spence (pictured below) earned a Bachelor of Communications degree in broadcast journalism from Brigham Young University and worked in news, from producing to reporting to anchoring, before joining a non-profit organization as the Public Relations Manager. After moving back to Idaho in 2011, she started an interior design business and worked in residential and commercial construction for the last seven years.

Starting a job during quarantine has had challenges, but also helped solidify her decision to join ITD.

“Starting a new job amid the stay-home order means I have yet to meet people in person,” Spence explained. “What I am looking forward to most is getting to know the people in this organization. The caliber of people I've met through conference calls and virtual meetings so far is impressive and I can already see the opportunities to learn and grow from the people working here.”

Garrigues said there have been unique obstacles, but the potential is great. “Changing careers is always a challenge, but I can’t wait to learn the ins-and-outs of the transportation industry. Everyone at ITD has already been so welcoming to me and willing to help, even if it’s only through phone calls and emails while we are all working from home.”

Spence said she has already developed goals for herself in this position, both for the short term, as well as longer term.

“In the short term, I am trying to grasp the different roles and departments throughout the state. I've referenced the ITD glossary more than I care to admit, but I am getting there! I love learning and have enjoyed getting to know the ins-and-outs of the programs and services ITD provides. Effectively communicating for and on behalf of our department, and to continue to foster a sense of familiarity between ITD and the public, is what I hope to bring to ITD long-term.“

Being a service to ITD and the community was also a goal echoed by Jillian. “I hope to have a valuable impact communicating to our community. The work that ITD does is important, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Compliance Program Manager Reymundo Rodriguez and Public Transportation Manager Ron Duran observed both Garrigues and Spence in a team exercise during the interview process, and reported that the ladies asked thoughtful questions, were respectful of the ideas of others, and were very good at thinking of what the public would want to know and how to best communicate with them.

“Both Jillian and Aubrie stood out in the interview process and have jumped right into their jobs as if they’ve been on the team for years,” Trimboli said. “They have already demonstrated the ability to work independently, collaborate, and the ability to listen and work well with others in a team setting.

"Their diverse skill sets will add to our already strong team and greatly benefit the entire organization.”