CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced Ryan Johnson to serve as Deputy Director of Communications. Johnson is an experienced communications strategist with a long track record of garnering top-tier media placements and executing compelling and thoughtful communications plans for elected officials and advocacy campaigns. 

"Ryan's years of communication expertise will play a critical role in our ability to connect with our residents and navigate our city through any storm," said Mayor Lightfoot. "Not only does he bring a massive amount of public sector experience, but he also brings important lived experience as a Chicago native. I am thrilled to formally welcome Ryan to the team and look forward to working closely with him to deliver even more compelling messaging that advances the goals of my administration." 

Prior to joining the Lightfoot administration, Ryan served as an Account Director at BerlinRosen, where he specialized in their national issue advocacy practice. Before his work at BerlinRosen, he served as Press Secretary for Senator Cory Booker, where he managed national media outreach efforts and helped shape messaging around the Senator’s national and state-based priorities. Before joining Senator Booker's office, he worked as Communications Director for Congressman Bobby Rush, where he developed and executed traditional and digital strategies to communicate and advance the Congressman's policy agenda. Ryan also served as the Communications Director for the American Heart Association, where he crafted sharp messaging that increased brand awareness and encouraged charitable giving. 

"I am extremely grateful and incredibly honored to be Deputy Director of Communications for Mayor Lori Lightfoot," said Johnson. "I am excited to work in the best city in the nation and alongside a dynamic group of public servants. I look forward to communicating the Mayor's vision for Chicago."

Johnson is a proud Chicago native and resides on the city’s south side. He enjoys concerts, Twitter, and all things pop culture. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Journalism.