Lauren Edwards has been promoted to the city of Wilmington's corporate affairs director.

Edwards succeeds Jerod Patterson, whose last day with the city was May 12. Edwards previously served as the city’s communications manager, where she oversaw public information, marketing and communications, according to a news release.

“Lauren has earned the confidence of her colleagues across the organization by guiding major initiatives with clarity and vision,” said City Manager Tony Caudle in the release. “She is an exceptional leader and uniquely qualified to maintain and build upon this department’s momentum. I am excited to welcome her into this role and look forward to her team’s future success."

Before joining the the city, Edwards served as vice president of marketing at the Peace Center for the Performing Arts in Greenville, South Carolina. In that role, she oversaw marketing and box office teams and $2 million in annual advertising for the multi-venue performance center, according to the release.

Edwards earned a degree in communication from Appalachian State University.