BALTIMORE, MD. (Wednesday, June 29, 2022) — Mayor Brandon M. Scott has appointed Monica Lewis to serve as the new Senior Director of the Mayor’s Office of Communications.
In this role, Lewis will work with Mayor Scott and Chief of Staff Michael Huber to create core messaging for the administration. She will be responsible for providing oversight of the Office of Communications staff, establishing departmental priorities and developing long-term communications strategies for both local and national media. She will report directly to Chief of Staff Huber.
“Monica has established herself as a results-oriented communicator with a strong understanding of media relations. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Mayor’s Office of Communications that I believe will positively impact agencies throughout my administration,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We are excited to have her lead the crucial work of developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy that will promote key messaging and inform the public, locally and beyond, of the great things happening in the City of Baltimore.”
Prior to joining the Mayor’s Cabinet, Lewis served as Deputy Chief of Communications for the School District of Philadelphia, where she was responsible for managing media relations and serving as the spokesperson for the nation’s 8th largest public school system. She played a key role in developing and implementing strategic communications regarding the District’s COVID-19 response and regularly worked with leadership from throughout the City of Philadelphia government to develop messaging for a variety of programs and initiatives supporting children and families. She implemented weekly press briefings to promote District news, provided emergency communications support to school leaders, and broadened the District’s national media coverage, successfully pitching Superintendent William R. Hite, Ed.D. and members of his executive team for opportunities to highlight the District’s efforts around social and emotional support services for students, strategies to support the development of safer routes to and from schools, and environmental work to address aging infrastructure.
Lewis received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Howard University and a Master of Science from the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University. She worked as a reporter covering education and government in several southern New Jersey municipalities for The Courier Post in Cherry Hill, NJ before becoming a writer/reporter for ESPN The Magazine, covering the NFL, WNBA and NCAA Women's Basketball. Lewis left reporting to start a career in public relations, specializing in cause marketing, event planning and production and executive communications for nonprofits such as the American Heart Association, the Urban League of Philadelphia and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.
"I'm honored and excited to join Mayor Scott and the dynamic team he has assembled to carry out the very important work to serve and support the people of Baltimore,” Lewis said. “For many years, I have enjoyed visiting this city for family reunions, conferences and outings with friends and now I am thrilled to call Baltimore home. I look forward to doing my part to share information and create messaging to tell the true story about this city’s renaissance and the resiliency of its people.”
Lewis embraces a commitment to public service through various community organizations. She is a Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and a founding member of the Philadelphia Chapter of Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc., an organization that raises funds for children and families across the country. A mother of two, she’s also a wellness enthusiast who enjoys running and strength training.
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