The City of Davis announced today that City Manager Mike Webb has appointed Jenny Tan as the City’s new Director of Community Engagement. Tan starts on April 4 after the current director, Diane Parro, retires effective April 1.

“The City is excited to have Jenny join our team,” said Webb. “Jenny was a key part of the robust COVID-19 response and outreach when she was Yolo County’s Public Information Officer. She showcased leadership, collaboration and a commitment to transparency that aligns perfectly with the City’s values.”

During her tenure with Yolo County, Tan directed the County’s COVID-19 communications response, appearing in ‘Daily Briefing’ videos on Facebook and Twitter, clarifying complex health orders for the public and building a network of organizations, including among others, the City of Davis, Healthy Davis Together, UC Davis and Yolo County. Tan also oversaw the County’s 2020 Census effort that bridged demographics of multiple communities and led to higher participation rates across Yolo County.

“As a Davis resident, I am passionate about local government and public service,” said Tan. “One of the many lessons I’ve learned in my career is that you should be passionate about what you do, and I am passionate about communities, communications and the City of Davis. This position is the nexus for all of these things I value.”

Tan has more than 10 years of experience in communications and administration and more than four years in strategic planning. Tan most recently served as the Senior Manager of Public Affairs and Member Services for the California State Association of Counties. In 2021, Tan was named “Yolo County’s Woman of the Year” by State Senator Bill Dodd and selected as “40 Under 40” by the Sacramento Business Journal. Tan received her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from UC Davis in 2007. Tan lives in Davis with her husband and three sons.