Town of Penfield recognizes Wesley Criblear for his behind the scenes work in community communications

Penfield, New York – In local government, much of the work that keeps residents informed happens quietly, often far from public attention. Cameras are set up before meetings begin. Community events are recorded and shared online. Websites are updated behind the scenes. Information flows smoothly, and most people never stop to think about who makes it all happen.

For the Town of Penfield, one of those people is Wesley Criblear.

Criblear, a member of the Town’s Communications, Technology, and Media Services Department, was recently recognized as the May 2026 Town of Penfield Staff Spotlight, shining a light on a role that is usually carried out far from the spotlight itself.

His daily responsibilities stretch across a wide range of media and communication work. From broadcasting Town Board meetings to coordinating coverage of school board sessions, concerts, and local community events, Criblear helps ensure residents remain connected to what is happening around them. He also plays a key role in maintaining and updating the Town’s website, helping keep public information current and accessible.

Read also: Governor Kathy Hochul warns LIRR strike could disrupt daily life for thousands of Long Island commuters

The work requires technical skill, flexibility, and the ability to adapt quickly as responsibilities evolve. According to town officials, that adaptability has become one of Criblear’s strongest qualities during his time with the department.

He recently marked his third anniversary working for the Town of Penfield, and colleagues say his contributions have become increasingly important as the department has expanded its responsibilities in recent years.

“As our department has taken on new responsibilities, Wes stepped up without hesitation and took on new challenges,” said David Renner, Director of Communications, Technology, and Media Services. “He quickly learned the skills needed to keep our website accurate and up to date, helping ensure our department continues to function effectively. His background in television production, news media, and communications has made him a valuable member of our team and an important part of the work we do every day.”

Before joining the Town of Penfield, Criblear built experience in the fast-moving world of local television news. He worked as a photojournalist at area news stations, where his storytelling and camera work earned several professional awards.

That background appears to have translated naturally into municipal communications work, where accuracy, timing, and public access remain essential. While the pace may differ from breaking news coverage, the responsibility of keeping a community informed still carries significant weight.

Read also: NSF CAREER awards highlight groundbreaking RIT research that could transform the future of artificial intelligence

In many ways, the role blends technology, journalism, and public service into a single mission. Residents watching a board meeting online, checking for updated town information, or viewing footage from a community event may never realize the amount of coordination required behind the scenes. Yet officials say Criblear has become one of the people helping make that process run smoothly day after day.

Town Supervisor Kevin Berry praised Criblear’s commitment to transparency and communication, noting that his efforts often go unnoticed simply because he works away from public attention.

“Ensuring we have timely and transparent communication is paramount to what we do at the Town of Penfield, and we are lucky to have Wesley on our team playing a critical role in that effort,” said Kevin Berry. “Although he is typically behind the scenes, I am happy to have the opportunity to recognize him for all that he does for the Town.”

For Criblear, the recognition serves as a reminder that some of the most important work inside local government is not always performed from a podium or in front of a crowd. Sometimes, it happens quietly behind a camera lens, inside a control room, or through the steady work of keeping information flowing to the people who depend on it every day.