Our Team

LeaAnn Dearman Petersen is an award-winning communications professional with a strong background in strategic messaging, media relations, digital communications and public engagement. She believes creativity and methodical thinking can work together to deliver effective and impactful communication.

In June 2023, Petersen became the Director of Communications for The Woodlands Township. Previously, she served for more than a decade as the Director of Public Affairs for the City of Seabrook, leading numerous successful communication initiatives. Her career also includes experience with the City of Midland, where she managed multimedia communications and served as acting Public Information Officer when needed.

Petersen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Master of Science in Interactive Communication. She is a Certified Public Communicator and a Certified Public Manager. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, professional excellence and the advancement of municipal communications.

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Mary Connell serves as Communications Manager for The Woodlands Township. Throughout her tenure, she has played a key role in the development and management of the Township’s communications efforts, including media relations, publications, marketing and digital outreach. Connell is accredited in public relations (APR), demonstrating her commitment to the highest standards of strategic communication and ethical practice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of North Carolina and has lived in The Woodlands for over 20 years. Her long-standing service and leadership continue to support the Township’s mission of providing timely, accurate and engaging information to the community.

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Perry Frank serves as Senior Communications Specialist for The Woodlands Township and has been a member of the Communications Department for more than a decade. In addition to supporting a variety of communication initiatives, he serves as the Township’s primary photographer and manages media advertising efforts, helping to promote programs, events and services throughout the community.

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Tammy Bean serves as Social Media Strategist for The Woodlands Township, bringing more than 15 years of marketing experience across a variety of organizations within the community. She is dedicated to finding new and creative ways to connect with residents through digital platforms and engagement initiatives. Bean is a member of the Government Social Media Professionals association and works to ensure the Township’s social media presence remains timely, responsive and community-focused.

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Steven Romero serves as Video Producer for The Woodlands Township, bringing creativity and technical expertise to a wide range of video projects. Since joining the Communications Department in 2023, he has quickly become a highly requested resource across Township departments. In his first year in local government, Romero earned a first-place award from the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA) for his public safety video series, Set It, Don't Forget It, encouraging residents to activate their home and car alarms.

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Jaclyn Ballou serves as Graphic Designer for The Woodlands Township and is the newest member of the Communications Department. Graphic design plays a vital role in nearly every Township communication project, and Ballou brings 15 years of professional design experience to the team. Although new to local government, she is eager to expand her knowledge and recently joined the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) to further strengthen her skills in public sector communications.

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Barbara Ryan serves as a Communications Specialist for The Woodlands Township. She has been with the Township since 2017 and in her current role since 2023. Ryan is responsible for writing press releases, announcements, and producing promotional collateral, as well as coordinating and updating content across the Township’s website. She recently completed the signage project for The Lookout, the new bird blind at the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, contributing to the Township’s efforts to enhance resident engagement with nature and public spaces.

Ashley Lancaster serves as Senior Administrative Assistant for The Woodlands Township Communications Department. With experience in social media management and magazine editing, she supports a wide range of communication initiatives while keeping the department organized and running smoothly. Lancaster handles the day-to-day needs of the team, helping ensure projects stay on track and deadlines are met.