New York City Hall has announced the appointment of Lekha Sunder as the city’s new Deputy Communications Director, a role that places her at the center of shaping official messaging and coordinating communication efforts across municipal departments. The appointment reflects Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s focus on strengthening how City Hall engages with residents, media organizations, and stakeholders.
Sunder became closely associated with Mayor Mamdani’s political journey earlier this year when she joined his primary campaign. During the campaign, she played a significant role in expanding its media presence and ensuring consistent messaging across multiple platforms. Her efforts helped integrate traditional outreach with digital and earned media, allowing the campaign to reach a broader audience as public interest steadily grew.
Before working with Mamdani, Sunder gained experience at the national level. She previously served in communications roles connected to Vice President Kamala Harris, including work on Harris’ presidential campaign operations in Pennsylvania. This exposure to high-profile political communication provided her with insight into managing narratives under intense public and media scrutiny.
Sunder’s academic background also contributed to her professional development. She graduated from Yale University with a degree in Global Affairs, where her studies focused on international relations, policy analysis, and global communication. While at Yale, she also worked as a contributing reporter for the Yale Daily News, an experience that likely sharpened her understanding of journalism, storytelling, and how news cycles influence public perception.
At City Hall, Sunder will operate within the established communications framework and report to Communications Director Anna Bahr. Bahr brings her own extensive experience, having previously worked as a senior staffer for Senator Bernie Sanders. Together, the communications leadership team is expected to align City Hall messaging with the administration’s broader policy priorities and public engagement goals.
In her new position, Sunder will be responsible for coordinating communication strategies across city agencies, supporting mayoral initiatives, and ensuring clarity and consistency in public messaging. Her appointment signals a continued emphasis on professional communications management within the Mamdani administration, particularly at a time when clear and effective public information remains critical to governance.
City officials see Sunder’s blend of campaign experience, national political exposure, and media training as a valuable asset. Her role is expected to contribute to a more cohesive communication approach, helping City Hall navigate complex issues while maintaining transparency and connection with New Yorkers.
