City of New Orleans LA : Deputy Mayor Ryan Berni Announces Departure from City Hall

NEW ORLEANS-- Today, Deputy Mayor Ryan Berni announced that after nearly eight years of service to the City, he will leave his post in mid-January to launch his own political and public affairs consulting firm.

Mayor Mitch Landrieu said, 'Ryan has been an integral member of our team since 2010. There's been very little done in the past eight years that Ryan hasn't been involved in from beginning to end. I wish him nothing but success as he enters this next endeavor.'

Berni said, 'I was honored to join the Landrieu Administration in 2010 to help rebuild New Orleans and to work with the most talented team in America. Under the leadership of Mayor Landrieu, the foundation has been laid for an even better future.'

As Deputy Mayor of External Affairs for the City of New Orleans, Berni has overseen communications, intergovernmental relations, neighborhood engagement, boards & commissions and public policy initiatives. These units have worked to communicate the message of City initiatives, as well as to ensure that City Hall is working in collaboration with all of its government partners at the municipal, state and federal level.

Berni began his work with the City in May 2010 as Press Secretary and later Communications Director, where he managed media, public relations and special projects and events. In 2013 and early 2014, he served as campaign manager for Mayor Landrieu's successful re-election campaign. He returned to City Hall as the Senior Advisor to the Mayor, leading citywide policy and public affairs initiatives including the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. In late 2014, Berni took a leave of absence to manage former United States Senator Mary Landrieu's re-election campaign in its final months, before rejoining the City as Deputy Mayor for External Affairs.

Beyond external affairs, Berni was highly involved in day-to-day operations and planning of major projects, including development of the City's budget, reform of the City's firefighters pension system, reform of the taxicab and for hire industry, development of a regulatory and permitting system for sharing economy companies such as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) and Short Term Rentals (STRs), development of the new North Terminal at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), creation of strategic plans for economic development, public safety and resilience, and negotiation of the landmark plan between the Port of New Orleans, New Orleans Public Belt Railroad and City of New Orleans to stimulate economic growth of the Port and local industries by aligning the railroad and its assets under the Port of New Orleans. Berni also served as the City's liaison and point person for all major special event bid and host committees, including NFL Super Bowl XLVII, 2012 & 2013 NCAA Men's & Women's Final Four, 2014 & 2017 NBA All Star Games, and 2014 & 2018 WWE Wrestlemania.

Prior to working at City Hall, Berni served as Chief of Staff for political strategist James Carville, based in Washington, D.C. There, he directed Carville's media, research, writing, and business development operations, as well as served as a consultant to international political clients across the globe. He also served in various capacities with the Louisiana Democratic Party. Berni holds a degree in political science from Louisiana State University. He currently serves on the Board of Commissioners of the Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority.

Tyronne Walker will remain a Senior Advisor to the Mayor and Communications Director, overseeing the Communications and Neighborhood Engagement offices. Current Executive Counsel and Director of Federal Affairs Zach Butterworth will be promoted to Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, overseeing the federal, state and local relations teams. Both will report directly to Mayor Landrieu.

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