Marlene manages the City's communications with citizens and employees and works with the media on a day-to-day basis. She leads the Communications Department, which also includes the City's government-access cable station, CityCable 5, and is responsible for much of the content on the City's web site. The position provides critical information to the public about City services, stewardship of tax dollars, and more. In addition to these communications functions, Marlene is the staff liaison to the Spokane Regional Cable Advisory Board and is manages the City's franchise with local cable TV provider, Comcast.

Background: Marlene has worked in the City's Communications Department for more than eight years. She serves on the Washington Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors board of directors, Spokane School District 81's Public Affairs Advisory Committee, and the Women Helping Women Fund's Board of Directors. Previously, she was a reporter for the Journal of Business in Spokane, researching and writing on a variety of business, government, and local news. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism and political science from the University of Montana.