The Washington, D.C., public affairs and national security communities are mourning the sudden and unexpected passing of Lauren Claffey Tomlinson, a widely respected communications strategist, former federal official, and founder of Claffey Communications. Lauren passed away in May 2024, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and mentorship in both the public and private sectors.
A Career of Influence and Integrity
Lauren’s career spanned nearly two decades at the intersection of government, media, and corporate communications. She served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where she advised three department secretaries and led strategic communications on major national issues, including the federal response to Hurricanes Harvey and Maria, cybersecurity threats, and countering violent extremism. Her role involved preparing DHS leadership for congressional testimonies, international engagements, and crisis communications.
Prior to her tenure at DHS, Lauren was communications director and spokeswoman for U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, and the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security. In the private sector, she led corporate communications at Southern Company, a Fortune 200 energy firm, and held senior consulting roles at Rational 360 and Hamilton Place Strategies, advising Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofits on mergers, acquisitions, and public affairs campaigns.
In August 2024, Lauren joined Cornerstone Government Affairs as a principal, further expanding the firm’s public affairs practice with her extensive experience.
A Voice in National Discourse
Beyond her professional roles, Lauren was a frequent media commentator, appearing on networks such as Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, Bloomberg, NewsNation, CBS, and Hill TV, where she provided insights on political strategy and public affairs. She also contributed op-eds to various publications and was known for her articulate and thoughtful analysis.
Lauren was a visiting fellow at George Mason University’s National Security Institute and served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, where she taught crisis and emergency communications, mentoring the next generation of public affairPersonal
Personal Life and Legacy
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Lauren earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in corporate communications and public relations from Georgetown University. She resided in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Brock Tomlinson, and their children.
Lauren’s sudden passing has left a profound void in the lives of her family, friends, colleagues, and the many individuals she mentored throughout her career. Her dedication to public service, her commitment to effective communication, and her unwavering integrity have left an indelible mark on the fields of public affairs and national security.
Lauren Claffey Tomlinson will be remembered as a passionate communicator, a dedicated public servant, and a cherished friend and mentor. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who strive to make a meaningful impact through service and leadership.
