Lauren Platt has 10 years of state and local government experience with a focus on policy, communications, and strategic development.  Her work in the public sector has taught her the value of community perspectives and Lauren works to ensure those are considered during the decision-making and programming process.

Recently, Lauren served as the Community Relations and Outreach Manager at the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority where she worked to advance the goals and objectives of the Tollway with partner agencies, community groups, and elected officials.   There, she developed strategic planning and coordination efforts to effectively communicate the Tollway’s $14 billion-dollar capital plan within the region.

Prior to her time at the Tollway, Lauren worked at the Office of the Illinois Comptroller where she was the Legislative and Policy Director.  She concentrated her efforts on communicating with municipalities, local service providers, and vendors on the state’s budgeting and payment process.

Her career began in the Illinois House of Representatives where she worked closely with legislators, caucus staffs, and stakeholders to negotiate and move legislation through the General Assembly with a focus on streamlining government and identifying and implementing efficiencies.

On the weekends, Lauren can be found spending time with her husband and two children and joining her girlfriends for an early morning Orange Theory class.

Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Political Science from Illinois State University.