LAWRENCEVILLE– The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners today (Oct. 5) approved a budget amendment that expands existing communications resources and creates a new Communications Department, which will be led by Joe Sorenson, who as been with the County for more than 20 years.
“Keeping our residents informed is a top priority,” said Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson. “And as the way people consume news and information continues to evolve, we want to ensure vital messages about County services reach our residents and business owners where they are.”
The decision supports the Board’s strategic objective to increase public access to information about County activities, events, projects, policies and programs.
“As our organization grows in complexity, the Board acknowledges how important it is to maintain transparency and build trust by establishing this new department to steer the County’s strategic communications efforts,” said County Administrator Glenn Stephens.
For more than two decades, the Communications Division has been led by Sorenson, who will now lead the expanded team as department director.
Changes will involve hiring additional employees in the operational areas of public relations and marketing, social media, graphic design, website administration and video production. Two of the new positions will provide a sharp focus on data analytics and project management to enhance the effectiveness and reach of County messages.