Hoboken Communications Manager Juan Melli Leaving Role to Run Strategic Communications Firm

(ABOVE: Gov. Murphy, Hoboken Communications Manager Juan Melli, Mayor Bhalla and Mayor Zimmer—photo courtesy of Juan Melli)

Communications Manager Juan Melli will be leaving his position on March 5, ending a remarkable term of service to the City of Hoboken that began in 2010.

Photo via Progressive Strategies

The move comes as no surprise, with Melli announcing in November that he would be moving on to run Progressive Strategies—a “strategic communications and consulting firm for private sector and political clients.”

Deputy Chief of Staff Jason Freeman will take on the duties of the position while the City finalizes the hiring of a permanent replacement for Melli.

“Juan has been an invaluable resource to residents of the City of Hoboken over the course of his service to our community,” said Mayor Bhalla. “I recall during Superstorm Sandy the countless hours Juan placed on crisis and communications management alongside Mayor Dawn Zimmer to keep our community informed and safe.  He will be missed by us all, and I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the city where I live,” said Melli. “It’s been the most rewarding job I’ve ever had, and I’m going to miss my coworkers. I’m looking forward to being just a resident and public school parent,” he adds, “so you don’t need to tell me about the pothole on the corner any more.”

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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Juan Melli has been a remarkable asset for the City of Hoboken. We’re truly grateful to have worked with an approachable and obliging public servant who worked so tirelessly in his role—responding swiftly and comprehensively to any queries we had, doing so at all hours.

He has been instrumental in maintaining an environment where local media can do its job, and his efforts have certainly been appreciated here at hMAG.

Many, many thanks…