City of Branson hires longtime SDC PR director

The city of Branson has hired Lisa Rau, the longtime public relations director at Silver Dollar City.

Rau is scheduled to start at the city March 15 as communications director, according to a news release.

"Lisa is a communications icon who has drastically moved the bar in a positive direction for Silver Dollar City and for the Branson area as a whole,” Mayor Larry Milton said in the release. “To have someone of her magnitude join the city of Branson is an incredible opportunity. She is passionate about Branson, and I am thrilled she has chosen to continue to serve our community."

During her more than three decades at Silver Dollar City, Rau has won awards including international Brass Rings for public relations efforts, a Mid-America Emmy for video storytelling and myriad American Advertising Awards for broadcast advertising campaigns. She previously worked as a news reporter for KY3.

“I’m really looking forward to participating on Branson’s leadership team,” Rau said in the release. “This is an outstanding way to serve our community while continuing to be part of the ever-evolving story of our world-class destination that offers visitors multifaceted family entertainment, along with a wonderful lifestyle for those who reside here."

Melody Pettit, communications manager for the city of Branson, said via email that she would work alongside Rau as the municipality grows its communications department.

“The communications director position will oversee the communications manager position,” Pettit said. “While the communications director position isn't a new one for the city of Branson, it has been unfilled for some time.”

Reached via email, Rau said details on press contacts at Silver Dollar City would be made available closer to her exit.