PHILADELPHIA — Today, Mayor Kenney announced new appointments in the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement and the Mayor’s Office of Communications. Romana Lee-Akiyama will become the new Director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement, effective on December 13, 2021, following the departure of Ajeenah Amir in September 2021. In addition, Kevin Lessard has been named Communications Director for the City of Philadelphia, effective November 15, 2021. Lessard has served as Acting Communications Director since September 2021, when Deana Gamble, former Communications Director, left the City.
“The Office of Public Engagement has a critical mission—to enhance the City’s community outreach and engagement efforts to ensure all of our communities have a voice in local government policies. Romana’s expertise and leadership will make City government more accessible to Philadelphia’s residents, making sure that all communities can participate in the drafting and implementation of City policies,” said Mayor Kenney. “Similarly, clear, accessible, and transparent communications remains as important as ever as our administration works to address the serious challenges facing our city. Kevin has demonstrated steadfast leadership during these past few months leading the City’s efforts to keep Philadelphia’s residents informed. His expertise and vision will have a great impact on the City’s communications efforts.”
Romana Lee-Akiyama joined the City in March 2020, initially serving as Director of Multicultural Affairs at the Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) before being promoted to Deputy Director in December 2020. Lee-Akiyama’s work in OIA has led critical engagement with constituent groups across immigrant communities in Philadelphia, creating cultural and immigrant integration programming that engages a diverse audience and facilitates bridge-building across different ethnic and racial groups. Also, she established and currently facilitates a City-wide and cross-departmental strategy group focused on addressing AAPI-focused hate and violence. Romana is a multi-sector leader who brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors to the role. Before joining the City of Philadelphia, Romana most recently worked at Eisenhower Fellowships from 2016 to 2020. She led key strategic initiatives to drive global engagement across the network of 1,600 Eisenhower Fellows in more than 110 countries.
“I’m thrilled to be moving into this role which plays a crucial part in making government accessible to all of Philadelphia’s residents and ensuring that the City is responsive to the expressed needs of our communities,” said Romana Lee-Akiyama.
Lee-Akiyama is a team leader who values authenticity, civic participation, and engagement, honoring and acknowledging different perspectives, ensuring that the most marginalized are heard, seen, and respected.
Romana holds a B.A. in International Relations from Tufts University, a Master of Social Service and Master of Law and Social Policy from Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, and is a fellow with the Center for Asian Pacific American Women.
Kevin Lessard was previously Deputy Communications Director at the City of Philadelphia, where he spearheaded communications efforts across more than ten departments and offices. Working under the Office of the Mayor and in collaboration with other City officials, Lessard creates and implements comprehensive communications strategies that help expand access to and keep residents and stakeholders informed about government programs, services, and resources. He joined the City in April 2019, serving as Communications Director for the Department of Commerce, where he developed strategies to promote the work and impact of the department, helped elevate Philadelphia’s global reputation as a place for business, and led communications efforts for business relief programs during the pandemic. Lessard led media relations and executed events for the press and public for the Department of Commerce. Before joining the City of Philadelphia, Lessard served as Senior Media Analyst at VISIT PHILADELPHIA, the region’s tourism marketing agency, where he contributed to major international events including the 2016 Democratic National Convention and 2015 papal visit. Lessard has spoken at several industry conferences, with an emphasis on PR measurement and social media impact.
Lessard earned his B.A. in Communication Studies, Political Science minor from Rowan University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He also holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication from Villanova University.
“As a proud Philadelphian, I’m humbled to lead the City’s communications efforts and work alongside dedicated public servants to continue moving Philadelphia forward,” Lessard said. “Communications is central to City government, and our administration strives to find effective ways to inform Philadelphia’s diverse residents, communities, and businesses about the City’s many—often critical—services and programs.”
Romana Lee-Akiyama’s headshot is available HERE and can be used for publication.
Kevin Lessard’s headshot is available HERE and can be used for publication.