Tonya TennessenTonya Tennessen, a 12-year communications pro, has exited Weber Shandwick to become communications director for the City of Saint Paul.

Mayor Chris Coleman said Tennessen would promote the Minnesota city’s "vibrant and growing downtown and crucial educational initiatives" as well as its transportation projects.

Tennessen has ample political experience, gained from stints as managing communications director for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, press secretary for then-Senator Mark Dayton (now is governor of the North Star State) and Kelly Doran for Governor campaign.

Coleman praised Tennessen’s mix of public education, corporate, digital and crisis management savvy.