News

September 13, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor’s Office of Communications Announces John Lawson II as Press Secretary

NEW ORLEANS — The Mayor’s Office of Communications today announced that John Lawson II will serve as Press Secretary for the City of New Orleans, effective immediately.

“John has been a vital part of my Communications team for more than a year and has cultivated positive relationships with the media to carry the City’s messaging on the progress and hard work that our departments are accomplishing daily,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “I am excited to announce his promotion, and I am confident that he will continue to communicate my administration's vision through unified messaging in the most efficient and effective manner.”

Lawson is a public relations professional with proven expertise in media relations, social media, copywriting and editing. He previously held the position of Press Assistant, later advancing to Deputy Press Secretary for the Mayor’s Office. He is the lead remarks writer for Mayor Cantrell and develops statements and responses to media-related inquiries.

Since joining the Mayor’s Office, Lawson has directed press conferences, interviews, media availabilities and other public facing events for multiple Cantrell Administration senior level executives. He also provides input on social media posting on all City platforms.

Prior to his initial appointment with the Mayor’s Office of Communications, Lawson wrote marketing-related copy, provided branding research assistance and led various creative projects for Cejay Enterprises in Shreveport. He was also the Managing Editor of the Courtbouillon, Dillard University’s school newspaper, and has interned with the Essence Music Festival, American Honda Motor Company in California and the Urban League of Louisiana. 

Born and raised in Shreveport, Press Secretary Lawson received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication from Dillard University and a Master of Science Degree in Public Relations from the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Communication. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

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