Lauren Johnson
The City of Canton’s Communications Manager
What is your background?
I have been with the city of Canton for a little more than two awesome years. I worked in the corporate world for five years before that, but got my start in marketing and communications in 2005 at Reinhardt University, where I worked for 10 years. I attended the University of West Georgia, and received a bachelor’s in business administration in 2004. Then, I went straight into the master’s in professional writing program at Kennesaw State University to earn my degree in 2008.
What is your main responsibility?
To tell the story of the city of Canton. To showcase all of the incredible projects we work on every day to improve the lives of our citizens. To feature the people that do the hard work, the important work, the behind-the-scenes work. To help our citizens understand what services and resources are available to them. I do all of this through our social media channels, website, emails, newsletters, text messaging, press releases and by being an ambassador at events and activities.
Describe a typical day on the job.
There’s always something new, exciting or informative to let the public know about. I have to switch gears a lot when new things come onto my plate that might take priority over something else I may have been working on. And, because we are a team at Canton, I could be helping one day at an event popping popcorn or helping pick up trash the next. There is not a typical day for me, so that’s just one more reason why I love my job so much!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Hickory Level Community of Temple, Georgia, a quaint town close to the Georgia-Alabama line.
What do you like most about your job?
I come to my job each day with pure joy. I am so excited to be a part of all the exciting things happening in the city. We truly are a team, supporting one another and cheering each other on!
What is the most unusual job you’ve done?
Taking photos for the city sometimes can put me in unique predicaments to capture the essence of an event, place or person, i.e., sitting in the middle of the road, leaning out of a window of a moving vehicle or riding a bike one-handed.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I am excited about the third annual Multicultural Festival in September. It’s such an amazing event that brings so many cultures together by featuring food, dance and entertainment from different countries.
What are your goals?
I’d like to become certified to fly a professional drone, to capture video and still imagery for the city, on demand.
How do you like to spend time off?
About two years ago — yes, during the pandemic if you are wondering, haha — I picked up the hobby of furniture refinishing and building. Now, I have an entire woodworking shop set up in my garage just for my hobby! I also love to go on any adventure with my husband and kids, including camping and trying out new restaurants.
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