Stephanie Garrett-Stearns named Chief Communications Officer

Mayor Kim Janey announced today that she is appointing Senior Advisor Stephanie Garrett-Stearns as Chief Communications Officer. She will serve as lead communications strategist and advisor for the Janey administration, guiding a dynamic team of press, digital media, speechwriting, and photography professionals. Garrett-Stearns’ new role includes responsibilities held by Nick Martin, who announced plans to pursue new opportunities in April and will be leaving his role on May 21. 

“Stephanie Garrett-Stearns is a communications veteran with insight into Boston’s diverse communities,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “She is a master of authentic, transparent communication strategies that deepen understanding and foster trust. I am thrilled to have Stephanie as part of my cabinet and look forward to her continued leadership and counsel as we advance a city-wide agenda for Boston’s recovery, reopening, and renewal. As we prepare for this transition, I am tremendously grateful to Nick Martin. His dedication, leadership and skill have been invaluable. I wish Nick the very best in his next chapter.”  

Before joining the Janey administration, Garrett-Stearns (pictured) served as Vice President of Communications and Fund Development for The Community Builders, Inc, where she led communications and fundraising strategy and program execution. Garrett-Stearns was previously Head of Public Relations and Chief Corporate Spokesperson for the Siemens division, Osram Sylvania. 

“I am honored to serve the people of Boston as part of the historic Kim Janey administration,” said Garrett-Stearns. “At a time when public trust is paramount, our communications team will be a key link between City Hall and the residents of Boston as we work to create a stronger, more equitable city.” 

 An alumna of The Partnership, Inc. Next Generation Executive program for professionals of color, Garrett-Stearns also completed the Business Management Institute at Cornell University. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Michigan State University. 

Garrett-Stearns is a volunteer and board member for several nonprofit organizations, including the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth (MassINC), the Boston Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. An active member of Union United Methodist Church in the South End, she lives in West Roxbury with her husband and daughter.

Janey’s appointment of Garrett-Stearns is her latest move to build one of the most diverse cabinets in the City’s history. Since her swearing-in on March 24, Janey has named Dion Irish, Chief of Operations; Justin Sterritt, Chief Financial Officer; Celina Barrios-Milner, Chief of Equity; and Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space. 

“I am committed to building a cabinet that is as talented as the city we serve,” said Janey. “I am proud to welcome these experienced and inclusive leaders to Boston City Hall.”