Lauren Johnston was appointed Assistant City Manager for the City of Palm Coast on April 5, 2022. In this role, Johnston spearheads the advancement of the city’s strategic action plan process, coordinates interdepartmental planning to maintain high levels of service, and aligns short and long-range capital improvement plans.

Prior to her appointment as Assistant City Manager, Johnston held several key positions within the city. Beginning as the Director of Parks and Recreation, she demonstrated her leadership abilities and commitment to community service. Her exceptional performance led to her appointment as Chief of Staff in 2021, where she provided unification, interoperability, and oversight of various city departments, including Parks and Recreation, Communications & Marketing, and the City Clerk’s Office. In February 2022, Johnston expanded her role to integrate the day-to-day operations of additional departments, ensuring continued high levels of service to the citizens of Palm Coast.

Johnston’s dedication to public service is underscored by her educational background and involvement in community leadership programs. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Flagler College and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree at the University of Florida. Johnston’s commitment to leadership development is evident through her participation in the 2022 Northeast Florida Regional Council Regional Leadership Academy. With over a decade of institutional knowledge and service as a community pillar of excellence, Johnston is deeply invested in the success and well-being of Palm Coast. 

On March 19, 2024, Lauren Johnston was appointed as Acting City Manager, further solidifying her role as a trusted leader within the Palm Coast community.