Women in Leadership Advisory Member

Carolyn Marinan

Active Term: 08/2025 - 08/2026

Areas of Expertise

• Pillars of Positivity
  
• Inspiring Emotional Intelligence
• Empowering Communications

Chief Public Relations Officer

Hennepin County

Carolyn Marinan is the Chief Public Relations Officer for Hennepin County. In her role, she assists county government in communicating with the publics it serves. She is a resource to county leadership and to the organization. Most of her work centers around media relations, public relations, and forging partnerships.

Prior to Hennepin County, Carolyn spent 20 years in television news and promotion working for WCCO TV, KSTP TV, and KARE 11. She’s also done radio and produced and hosted a local travel show on Twin Cities Public Television. Carolyn graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Speech-Communication. She remains involved by mentoring students, employees, and peers.

Carolyn has won numerous awards, including an Emmy, a New York Film Festival award and more. She is currently a board member of the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators and sits on the board of directors for the National Association of County Information Officers.

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