Biography -
Marti Adams-Baker is Deputy Communications Director to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Her journey in public service began the day after graduation, when she went to work for Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. In early 2007, Marti joined then-Senator Obama’s campaign as a Press Assistant, later ascending to Deputy Press Secretary to Michelle Obama. In January 2009, Marti was one of the 19 “Day One” staffers appointed to the U.S. Treasury Department, where she was Spokesperson for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. For three years, Marti led the Obama Administration’s communications strategies on issues including U.S. financial sanctions, anti-money laundering, and counter terrorist financing. In late 2011, she was asked to serve as the Director of Event Communications on the President’s re-election campaign, after which she moved to New York City. In January 2014, Marti answered the call to service from Mayor de Blasio, and joined his administration as chief spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office. She was promoted to Deputy Communications Director in 2015. In this role, Marti leads long term communications activities for the mayor of the greatest city in the world. Marti lives in New York City with her husband.
Convocation Speaker Interest -
At Spelman, I realized that I wanted to help shape our society while serving our country. For ten years, I’ve done just that, learning from and advising those responsible for growing our economy, protecting our national security, and combating income inequality. We’re at a critical moment right now, and I would be honored to have the opportunity share with my fellow alumnae the observations and lessons learned from the campaign trail, the hallways of the White House and Treasury Department, encounters with foreign leaders and from serving the 8.5 million people of New York City. 