Mayor de Blasio Announces Kate Blumm as Chief Speechwriter and Erin White as Communications Advisor

June 17, 2015

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today appointed Kate Blumm as Chief Speechwriter and Erin White as an administration Communications Advisor. 

Blumm, who presently serves as Communications Advisor to Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen, will lead a team of five in her new role as head of the City Hall speechwriting shop. Blumm and her team are tasked with preparing briefings, talking points and speeches for the Mayor and administration leadership on key policy priorities and initiatives. In addition to crafting the Mayor’s message around City policy, income inequality and expanding opportunity for all New Yorkers, she will advise on the administration’s overall communications strategy and long-term planning.

“Kate is already an invaluable member of our communications team, and a strong advocate for affordable housing, economic development and everyday New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I have the utmost confidence that she brings to this position the experience, smarts and passion necessary to communicate our mission at City Hall with New Yorkers in all five boroughs.”

“When it comes to the issues that matter— supporting working families, improving quality of life, and expanding opportunity—we need to communicate not just loudly, but clearly to New Yorkers in every corner of the city,” said Chief Speechwriter Kate Blumm. “I’m honored to join the Mayor’s seasoned speechwriting team. We will continue to bring the administration’s message to millions, capturing a strong vision of one city, rising together.”

As Communications Advisor, Erin White will develop and advance communications strategy and policy for the Mayor and First Lady Chirlane McCray. White, who joins City Hall from the American Civil Liberties Union, brings years of experience in communications strategy, public relations and media management to the role. In her new position, White will be charged with developing and implementing long-term strategic communications and innovative ways to relay information to New Yorkers, providing reports and updates to senior administration officials on communications outreach, and coordinating communications across various departments. She will also work with senior administration leadership to inform broader strategic communications planning for the administration.

“Erin is a longtime champion of justice, equality, and the progressive platform. I know she will bring her deft insight and powerful fighting spirit to further strengthen the communications team here at City Hall, helping us to share our vision and message with New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“Policies and programs are only as effective as our means of communicating them to the people we serve – everyday New Yorkers,” said Communications Advisor Erin White. “I am committed to utilizing my experience in media relations and communications strategy to bring city government to the people of this city and advance the lives of New Yorkers in all five boroughs.” 

About Kate Blumm

Kate Blumm is a native New Yorker and graduate of City public schools. She currently serves as a Communications Advisor to Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen. Previously, she served as Press Secretary and Vice President for Public Affairs for the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the City’s primary engine to spur economic growth, create quality jobs, and combat economic inequality across the five boroughs. In her work at NYCEDC, she coordinated closely with the Office of the Mayor, other City agencies, and businesses and organizations across New York City. She previously served as the Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs at NYCEDC. 

Prior to her work with the Economic Development Corporation, Blumm worked as the Communications Manager for Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where she managed media engagement, developed messaging, and coordinated media events. Blumm graduated magna cum laude from New York University, where she studied English.

About Erin White

Erin White presently serves as the Communications Manager for Reproductive Rights with the American Civil Liberties Union, where she oversees all communications and coordinates strategies with other state chapters. She has also worked as Media Director for Camino Public Relations, a communications firm for nonprofit and advocacy groups, and as an account supervisor and media relations specialist for SPM Communications.
Prior to her work in media relations, White was a features reporter for local publications in Texas and Arizona, including the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Arizona Daily Star. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she received a B.A. in journalism.