Amanda Brown has been named the communications director for the city of Springfield.
Brown, 24, most recently worked for the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus as a membership engagement coordinator.
Brown said that while she enjoyed her time working in state government, “local government has always had a special place in my heart.” She said she hopes to be able to impact the city in a positive way through her new role.
“I was born and raised in Springfield; it’s my home that I love so much,” Brown said. “I’ve always felt strongly about supporting my city and giving back any way possible.”
She holds bachelor’s degrees in communications and elementary education from University of Illinois Springfield and is currently working on her master’s degree in public administration and a certificate in community planning.
Brown was recognized earlier this year as one of Springfield Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.
Related
Brown serves on the board of directors for the Kiwanis Club of Springfield – Downtown. In 2021, she launched a program to create reading corners at laundromats around town and now oversees six locations.
“We have a couple different community groups that have made financial donations and help out, but I’m still spearheading that program,” Brown said.
Brown said her extensive community involvement has benefitted her in many ways, and she hopes to use her role with the city to encourage other young people to participate in community service.
“I would love to see more young people get involved locally,” she said. “Those opportunities help you grown personally and professionally.”
Brown said she also wants to increase the city’s outreach to the community. “I hope to foster an environment where the constituents feel their voices are heard and can see themselves reflected in anything we post and share,” she said.
“One of my goals is to highlight the good that happens in the city. There are lots of good community events, good people and feel-good things we can share to boost community outreach and connect with members of the community,” Brown said. “I’m not leaving Springfield anytime soon, and I want to make (other people) love Springfield as much as I do.”
This article appears in SBJ September 2025.