New York City Mayor Eric Adams has appointed seasoned communicator Kayla Mamelak Altus as his new press secretary, part of a series of strategic appointments aimed at strengthening the city’s communications team. Altus, a former FOX5 New York reporter and City Hall spokesperson since 2022, steps up to lead media relations amid Adams’ push to improve outreach across diverse communities. The lineup includes Jd Michaels as Director of Ethnic and Community Media, Allison Maser as Deputy Press Secretary, and Sonia Moghe, formerly of CNN, as Deputy Communications Director. The new roles aim to enhance transparency and effectively deliver critical updates to New Yorkers citywide.
Mayor Adams Appoints Kayla Mamelak Altus as Press Secretary, Announces Additional Press and Communications Appointments and Promotions
– New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced new appointments within the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Communications, elevating current members of the City Hall team as well as bringing in new talent to further strengthen the administration’s communications work. In the Press Office, Kayla Mamelak Altus has been appointed press secretary. Allison Maser has joined the Adams administration as a deputy press secretary and communications advisor, William Fowler has joined City Hall as a deputy press secretary, and Sophia Askari has returned to the administration as press assistant. In the Communications Office, Sonia Moghe and Joel Rosenthal have both joined City Hall as deputy communications directors. In the Office of Ethnic and Community Media and Citywide Marketing, Jd Michaels has been appointed executive director of ethnic and community media and citywide marketing, Jacqueline Lachman will serve as chief operating officer of marketing, Orchida Harizaj will serve as associate director of communications, and Yesenny Fernández will serve as associate director of data management. In the Office of Creative Communications, Caroline Rubinstein-Willis has been promoted to associate director for digital communications, while Haley Clark will be promoted to senior video producer. In the Speechwriting Office, Radha Vatsal will be promoted to senior speechwriter, while in the Office of Research and Media Analysis, Grisely Tejada Taveras will return to the administration as a research and media analyst.
“Our city’s press and communications staff work around the clock to meet New Yorkers where they are and deliver essential information about city services, current events, and emergency situations. With these appointments, hires, and promotions, we will bolster that work and ensure that we continue to communicate clearly and effectively to our fellow New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “Every one of these individuals have service in their bones, and I am particularly proud to promote from within for the role of press secretary. From her first day at City Hall, Kayla has brought sharp judgment and unflinching grit to serving the people of New York City, and I know she is the right person to fill this crucial role. Jd as well brings deep experience to his new position to ensure that we continue engaging our city’s ethnic and community media outlets and use every marketing tool at our disposal to let New Yorkers know about the services available to them.”
“Whether it’s navigating complex crises like storms and technology outages or advancing generational proposals to build more housing, our city’s press and communications staff are on the frontlines as they deliver crucial information for their fellow New Yorkers. I continue to be inspired by the intelligence, tenacity, and humor they bring to our office from the moment they walk in the door every day,” said Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy. “These new appointments, hires, and promotions represent talent of the highest caliber who will build on that track record. I am excited to continue leading this extraordinary team of public servants and am especially thrilled to have Kayla take on this new role as press secretary. I know what it takes to serve in such a tough but vital job, and I know that Kayla has the savvy and drive to succeed. More importantly, she is the ultimate team player and wants our city to succeed. Congratulations to all our team members.”
“For over two years, I have witnessed firsthand that the Adams administration doesn’t just talk the talk; they truly walk the walk. As a woman returning from maternity leave, I know how rare it is for people in my position to be offered new opportunities. But uplifting individuals — regardless of their personal circumstances — is at the core of who Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Levy, and this entire administration are. They work tirelessly to ensure that New Yorkers are safe and that our city’s economy thrives, enabling families like mine to flourish,” said Press Secretary Kayla Mamelak Altus. “I am honored to accept this new role and eager to amplify the incredible work this administration is doing, alongside the best communications team and the toughest press corps in the greatest city in the world.”
November 4, 2024 New York City Hall
Sources: NYC.gov . Midtown Tribune
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