When Lauren Browne was told that she was being promoted to be the city’s next communications manager, her first feeling was that of excitement and her first thought was, “Let’s do this.” 

I’m always looking for ways to make a difference in my community,” she said. “I’ve done that with the citizen engagement program and now I’m looking to continue with that momentum by making a positive difference in getting the message out there and being the liaison between the city and its citizens. I’m really thrilled to do that.” 

Browne, a native of the Midwest, came to Arizona nearly 15 years ago to attend college at Northern Arizona University. 

Upon graduation in 2007 she worked as a website editor in Santa Fe, N.M., for six years before moving to Sedona with her husband, Mike Rainey, and working at NAU for a year. She was later appointed to the now-defunct Parks and Recreation Commission. Then, in 2013, the city created a new position — citizen engagement coordinator — which she was hired chosen to do. 

“I heard about the position and decided to throw my hat in the ring,” Browne said. “It turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made in my career. Up until now I’ve been working under [Assistant City Manager] Karen Osburn, who has been a wonderful mentor. I’ve been like a sponge and have soaked in all the great knowledge she has.” 

As the citizen engagement coor­dinator her position has morphed with time. Originally it was about building the program and the posi­tion, which included engaging with the community to get volunteers for the various committees and work groups. 

The position took a slightly different direction with the creation of the Sedona in Motion transporta­tion plan two years ago. Browne has been heavily involved with that by helping to get the needed informa­tion on the various projects out to the community. 

The experience she’s gained the last six years will help in the transi­tion to her new position, she said. 

“One of the best attributes someone in communications can have is the ability to listen,” she said. “You often think of communications as information pushing but before you can get to that step you need to be an active listener. I think the best conversation starter is often, ‘I’m listening.’ To build public trust you have to start by listening.” 

Both her current and former position will be evaluated and city administrators will decide how the responsibilities will be divvied up between the two before the new citizen engagement coordinator is hired. For now, she will handle both positions and oversee some ongoing programs and committees. 

City Manager Justin Clifton said he’s very excited that Browne accepted the position and looks forward to seeing where she takes it.

“She has very deep roots both in the community and within the organization,” he said. “She always seems to have her finger on the pulse of the community and never waivers in her attempt to under­stand what the citizens need and see things from that perspective. And, I think she’ll take a fresh look at the position and on occasion modernize aspects of the job.”