Arcadia Unified Board of Education Appoints Lauren Cienfuegos as New Chief Communications Officer
ARCADIA, CA — The Arcadia Unified School District Board of Education officially appointed Lauren Cienfuegos as the District’s new Chief Communications Officer at its May 2026 Board of Education meeting. Arcadia Unified Chief Communications Officer Appointment
Cienfuegos has served as Arcadia Unified’s Public Information Officer for the past two years, leading strategic communications efforts that have strengthened community engagement, elevated the District’s brand, and expanded storytelling across schools and departments.
“Following the resignation of the previous Chief Communications Officer earlier this year, the Executive Team carefully discussed our path forward and unanimously expressed confidence that Lauren was the right person to lead this work,” said Arcadia Unified Superintendent Dr. David Vannasdall. “Her ability to seamlessly step in, take on additional responsibilities, and continue delivering exceptional work while maintaining a calm and steady presence made this a natural next step.”
Prior to joining Arcadia Unified, Cienfuegos served as a Communications Specialist for Glendale Unified School District, where she supported comprehensive communications programs for internal and external audiences, implemented districtwide public and media relations strategies, and managed social media initiatives for schools and departments.
During her time in Arcadia, Cienfuegos has played a key role in shaping the District’s public-facing communications efforts, including crisis communications, community engagement campaigns, strategic enrollment messaging, district publications, and large-scale events. She also played an instrumental role in the successful passage of Measure AS, Arcadia Unified’s largest facilities bond to date, helping lead strategic community outreach and communications efforts surrounding the $358 million measure. In addition to her district communications work, she serves as the advisor to Arcadia Unified’s Digital Communications Internship (DCI), a student-led program focused on storytelling, media production, and social media content creation. Most recently, she helped lead the District’s first annual District Showcase, a districtwide celebration of student performing arts and community connection.
“In both Glendale and Arcadia, Lauren has earned a reputation for meticulous planning and careful execution,” added Dr. Vannasdall. “Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is kind, considerate, responsible, hardworking, and someone who approaches every challenge with professionalism and care.”
“Lauren has already made a tremendous impact on Arcadia Unified through her leadership, professionalism, and dedication to our schools and community,” said Arcadia Unified Board President Leigh Chavez. “She understands the District’s values and priorities, and the Board of Education is excited to see how she will elevate and innovate Arcadia Unified’s communications efforts as our new Chief Communications Officer.”
As Chief Communications Officer, Cienfuegos will oversee the District’s communications strategy, public information efforts, media relations, digital communications, branding, and community engagement initiatives.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Arcadia Unified in this new role,” said Cienfuegos. “Arcadia is truly a special place, and I never take for granted the responsibility of protecting and enhancing the incredible reputation of this District. I’m excited to continue sharing the stories of our students, staff, and schools while building meaningful connections with our community.”
Cienfuegos will officially begin serving in the role of Chief Communications Officer on July 1, 2026.
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About Arcadia Unified School District
The Arcadia Unified School District, located in the San Gabriel Valley, serves approximately 9,000 students across 11 schools and is consistently recognized among the top school districts in California and the nation for academic excellence, innovation, and student achievement.
