The City of Denton, Texas, announced on April 15, 2024, the appointment of Lauren Thoden as its new City Secretary. Thoden is tasked with managing critical administrative duties such as facilitating municipal elections and ensuring public access to city records, a role crucial for maintaining the integrity required by local and state laws.
City Manager Sara Hensley expressed enthusiasm about Thoden’s appointment, noting her alignment with Denton’s values of public service. “We are thrilled to welcome Lauren to the City of Denton team. I am confident that her leadership will significantly contribute to our city’s continued progress and development,” Hensley stated.
Thoden comes to Denton with a rich background in both law and public administration. She previously served as Chief Deputy Town Clerk in Brookhaven, New York, where she was responsible for managing vital records, issuing permits and licenses, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Her achievements in Brookhaven include leading the development of a digital recordkeeping system and playing a pivotal role in obtaining a $20 million grant for the Municipal Consolidation and Efficiency Program.
Before her municipal work, Thoden had a decade-long career in law, working as an attorney for GEICO’s Staff Counsel and as a Law Fellow for the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division.
Reflecting on her new role, Thoden shared her enthusiasm: “I am honored to serve as Denton’s City Secretary and am excited to contribute to the city’s commitment to transparency. I look forward to applying my experience in delivering exceptional service to the Denton community.”
Thoden holds a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and a Juris Doctor from Hofstra University School of Law.