Providence, RI — Today, Council President Rachel Miller announced an expansion of the City Council communications department with the hiring of a communications director and a press secretary.
Starting on August 28, Joshua Speiser will serve as communications director. Speiser has over two decades of experience in strategic communications, including with Physicians for Social Responsibility, the American Geophysical Union, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC, Georgetown University and, most recently, the Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown University. Speiser is a resident of Ward 3, a dad to two teenagers, a film lover, and a community member at AS220.
“I am thrilled to join the City Council as communications director,” said Speiser. “Real change happens at the local level and I couldn’t be prouder to join the City Council team. I’m looking forward to doing my part to help make Providence the best and most livable city in New England.”
Starting on September 3, Roxie Richner will serve as press secretary. Richner is a recent graduate from Michigan State University, where she studied Social Relations and Policy. She got her start in politics and organizing at a young age, interning and working on campaigns in Michigan, New Jersey, Tennessee, and more. In college, Richner worked with progressive firms Left Rising and Left Flank Strategies on communications and fundraising strategy for advocacy organizations, campaigns, and members of Congress.
“I’m excited to serve as press secretary for the City Council as they work to make Providence a more just, affordable, and vibrant city,” Richner said. “I look forward to working under Council President Miller and with the team to highlight our progress, engage with the community, and help advance policies that create real positive change.”
“Joshua and Roxie are great additions to our growing Council team,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “As we work to move a people-forward agenda for city, Joshua and Roxie will ensure that residents will be informed and engaged on all of the great work the City Council does on behalf of our Providence residents. I’m excited to welcome them to our office.”
Speiser and Richner are the latest additions to a growing Council team. Earlier this summer, the Council hired Isabella Muratore and Patricia Pedriali as policy and research analysts. Muratore recently graduated from Boston University with a Master of Public Health, Health Policy and Law. Pedriali worked for five years on reducing commercial motor vehicle accidents as a program analyst for Changeis.
