The full release from the City is below:
The City of Branson is pleased to announce Jennifer Smart as its new Communications Director, bringing a strong track record in municipal leadership, crisis communication, media relations and public engagement experience to one of the nation’s most recognized destination communities.
Smart arrives from the City of Gainesville, Florida, where she has served on the executive leadership team and as a trusted advisor to elected officials and the city manager. As Director of Marketing and Communications, Smart coordinated community education around high-profile capital improvement projects; partnered with first responders during hurricanes and wildfires; and developed campaigns to promote city services, events and programs. With years of experience writing about everything from changes in garbage collection to preparing for emergencies, Smart joins the City of Branson ready to deliver a clear and unified communications strategy that supports all residents.
“Strong communication is essential to public trust, and Jennifer understands how to lead with clarity, purpose and transparency,” said City Administrator Cathy Stepp. “She brings the experience to guide an organization through complex issues while never losing sight of the people we serve. Her leadership will strengthen how we tell Branson’s story, engage our community and keep the public informed.”
Smart’s public-sector career includes weeks stationed inside the Lee County Emergency Operations Center in Fort Myers, Florida, where she managed communications for Lee County Public Safety while working alongside local, state and federal agencies responding to the impacts of Hurricane Ian. Prior to entering government, Smart was a local TV news reporter, developing the skills to translate complex and rapidly changing information into reporting that is accurate, accessible and meaningful to the public.
That mix of experience—partnering with local leaders to strengthen a community while understanding the storytelling that helps information stick—is a skillset Smart is eager to bring to Branson.
“Branson is a unique place with a powerful story, a strong sense of identity and an exciting future,” Smart said. “I look forward to meeting people and doing a lot of listening, and I’m honored to join the City’s leadership team and become part of this community.”
As Communications Director, Smart will lead the City’s communications strategy, media relations, digital communications, public engagement and emergency messaging. She will work closely with City leadership and departments to strengthen outreach to residents, businesses and visitors while highlighting the people, services and investments shaping Branson’s future.
Smart holds a B.S. in Telecommunications from the University of Florida, with a Minor in American History. She will begin her new role on October 12, 2026.
