Marlena Medford
About Marlena Medford
Marlena Medford serves as the Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Code for America. With a background in journalism and extensive experience in communications, she focuses on modernizing public services through effective communication strategies.
Current Role at Code for America
Marlena Medford serves as the Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Code for America, a position she has held since 2023. In this role, she focuses on crafting communications strategies that emphasize the modernization of public services, aiming for greater accessibility, efficiency, and equity.
Previous Experience in Communications
Prior to her current role, Marlena worked at Code for America as the Director of Communications from 2022 to 2023. She has also held various positions in communications, including Director of Communications at The City of Encinitas from 2013 to 2015 and Chief Content Officer at JPW Communications from 2017 to 2019.
Background in Journalism
Marlena Medford earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, where she studied from 2002 to 2006. Her early career included roles such as Arts & Culture Editor at The Oklahoma Daily and Editor at Advocate Media - Dallas, contributing to her extensive experience in media and communications.
Experience in Crisis Management and Branding
Marlena has extensive experience in crisis management, branding, and talent attraction. Her work has involved developing strategies that enhance organizational reputation and effectively communicate key messages during challenging times.
Networking and Professional Engagement
Marlena actively seeks networking opportunities with individuals who are passionate about advancing government through technology. She believes in the potential of human-centered design and technology to improve government services, reflecting her commitment to public service innovation.