Christine Brainerd, APR
Education and Development Chair
Christine is a seasoned, award-winning communications
professional with nearly 20 years of experience in government
communications, public relations, and journalism. As
communications director, she manages the city’s comprehensive
communications program, including news media relations, public
information, and community relations.
Christine joined the City of Folsom in 2015. She previously
served the City of Elk Grove for nearly nine years as the public
affairs manager and public information officer. She also worked
at two Sacramento-based public relations firms, where she managed
national and statewide public relations and marketing campaigns.
Christine’s career started in journalism. She has written for a
weekly newspaper and worked as an assignment editor at KTXL-TV
FOX-40 News.
A communications graduate from California State University at
Sacramento, Christine earned the Accreditation in Public
Relations (APR) credential from the Public Relations Society of
America and the Universal Accreditation Board in 2012. She holds
a master’s degree in public administration from Golden Gate
University.
Christine is the past president and current education and
development chair of the California Association of Public
Information Officials (CAPIO) and she serves on the
Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), the national board that
oversees the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
credential. She has received more than 60 national,
statewide, and regional awards for communications and public
relations projects through well-respected organizations,
including CAPIO, the Public Relations Society of America, and the
League of California Cities. In 2016, she was honored with the 40
Under 40 Award by the Sacramento Business Journal, which
recognizes young professionals for their accomplishments in their
respective industries and for their contributions to the
community at large.
Christine lives in Folsom with her husband Sean, daughter Emily,
and son Gavin.