Kristen Brown

Vice President, Government Relations

Phone: 669.319.2868

Kristen Brown

Vice President, Government Relations

Phone: 669.319.2868

Biography

Kristen has 10 years of experience in working with government, non-profit, and community-centered organizations as a Congressional Aide, Government Relations Specialist, Councilmember, Mayor, Non-Profit Board Member, and community volunteer. She was previously Mayor of the City of Capitola in 2020, and is currently serving as Vice Mayor in her second term on City Council. In 2018, Kristen was awarded the Santa Cruz County Women’s Commission’s Trailblazer Award for her work promoting economic and political participation among women.

Kristen also serves as the Vice Chair of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, First Past President of the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, Treasurer for the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, and Member of the Criminal Justice Council of Santa Cruz County, Capitola Business Improvement Area, Santa Cruz County Regional Flood Control and Water Conservation District for Zone 5, and League of California Cities' Transportation, Communication, and Public Works Policy Committee.

Kristen earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the Integrated Studies program at California State University, Monterey Bay, where she studied Political Communication and received distinction in her major. She also holds a Master of Public Administration Degree with an emphasis in Public Sector Management and Leadership from California State University, Northridge.

Kristen lives in Capitola with her husband Nick, their dog Fender, and their cat Wally. In her free time, Kristen enjoys playing music, cooking, and combing the beach for treasures.