City Hall

City of Norman Announces New Chief Communications Officer: (NORMAN, OK) The City of Norman announces the hiring of Claudia Deakins as the city’s new Chief Communications Officer. She will begin her duties February 15. We are pleased to have Claudia join our team, said City Manager Steve Lewis. This new position was identified as a priority by the city in our strategic planning efforts last summer. It is part of our ongoing commitment to enhance communication with our res...idents and businesses, and in light of the passage of NORMAN FORWARD last October, the benefits of having this position are even more pronounced. Deakins brings several years of experience in local government to the position, including 12 years leading public information and communication efforts for the City of Edmond, and three years as executive director of the City Management Association of Oklahoma. In her most recent position with Strategic Government Resources, she facilitated professional development for local government leaders in Oklahoma. Lewis also noted that the passion Deakins exhibits for the work ahead and her professional municipal experience and background were factors in his decision to ask her to join the city team. Deakins’ duties will include media relations, community outreach, and communication about city programs and initiatives. Deakins received a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and has completed Public Information Officer training with the Oklahoma State Department of Emergency Management. Deakins currently resides in Oklahoma City, and plans to relocate to Norman.