City of Joliet Appoints New Media Engagement and Communications Director

JOLIET, IL - The City of Joliet is pleased to announce the appointment of Sydney Thompson as its new Media Engagement and Communications Director. Thompson, a lifelong Will County resident, brings more than a decade of experience in municipal communications, media relations, and strategic messaging, with a proven track record of serving as a primary spokesperson, leading high-impact communications initiatives, and strengthening public trust through transparent and effective engagement.

"Clear, strategic communication is essential to effective local government," said Mayor Terry D'Arcy. "Sydney's leadership in municipal communications, expertise in media relations, and demonstrated ability to build trust and drive meaningful engagement will strengthen how we communicate with and serve the Joliet community."

Most recently, Thompson served as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Village of Channahon, where she directed the Village's comprehensive communications strategy and served as its primary media contact. In this role, she led proactive and reactive media engagement, developed crisis communication frameworks, and oversaw all digital and traditional communication channels. She also spearheaded a municipal rebranding initiative and expanded resident engagement through enhanced communication strategies and outreach efforts.

Thompson has extensive experience in community engagement and intergovernmental collaboration, leading major public events, strengthening regional partnerships, and advancing initiatives that enhance community visibility and participation. Prior to her municipal service, Thompson held leadership roles at a Chicago-area public relations agency, where she developed and executed national media campaigns, and secured widespread media coverage for national and international franchise brands.

"I am honored to join the City of Joliet and serve a community with such a rich history and strong sense of identity," said Thompson. "I've spent a great deal of time in Joliet throughout my life, and I have a deep appreciation for the community and its evolution. From its roots as a key transportation and industrial hub to the vibrant, evolving city it is today, Joliet has a powerful story to tell. I look forward to helping share that story while enhancing communication efforts, building strong relationships, and ensuring that story is shared with clarity, transparency, and purpose."

Thompson holds a Master of Science in Communication from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of Missouri. She is a 2024 graduate of the Joliet Chamber Community Leadership School and holds several FEMA communications certifications.

In her new role, Thompson will serve as the City's primary spokesperson, lead citywide communications strategies, oversee media relations, and guide messaging across all platforms to ensure residents, businesses, and stakeholders are informed, engaged, and connected.

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About the City of Joliet
The City of Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in the State of Illinois, 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. At the 2020 census, the city was the third largest in Illinois, with a population of 150,362. For more information about the city, visit https://www.joliet.gov.