Laguna Niguel council installs Jean Johns as mayor, Kelly Jennings as mayor pro tem

Jean Johns was selected as Laguna Niguel’s mayor and Kelly Jennings as mayor pro tem during the City Council meeting on Nov. 18, 2025. The council took nominations in order and, after Mayor Genaway nominated Jean Johns for mayor, a voice vote carried the nomination 5–0. The council then took nominations for mayor pro tem and selected Kelly Jennings by voice vote, 5–0.

The nominations followed the council’s approval of its consent calendar. Mayor Genaway announced earlier in the meeting that a motion to approve the consent calendar was moved by "mayor Pro Tem John" and seconded by Council Member Otto; the mayor stated the consent calendar carried unanimously.

At the meeting, Johns thanked council colleagues and city staff, described the role as a team effort and pledged to prioritize fiscal stability, public safety and community services. Newly appointed Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Jennings thanked colleagues for their support and said she was honored to serve.

The meeting included a brief public comment period before the appointments. Residents used the three allotted speaker slots to thank the council for community grants and to invite residents to local cultural events. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.

Votes at a glance - Consent calendar: approved (voice vote announced as unanimous, 5–0). - Jean Johns, mayor: nominated by Mayor Genaway; approved by voice vote (announced 5–0). - Kelly Jennings, mayor pro tem: nominated from the floor; approved by voice vote (announced 5–0).

What’s next The mayoral and mayor pro tem appointments take effect at the end of the Nov. 18 meeting, and both officials will serve in their roles per the city’s customary schedule. City staff will follow up on public comment items as appropriate.