MANCHESTER, NH — Mayor-elect Joyce Craig on Dec. 18 announced the hiring of Ryan Mahoney as Chief of Staff; Lauren Smith as Policy and Strategic Outreach Director; and, Donald Stokes as Community Engagement Director.
Former Chief of Staff for the New Hampshire House of Representatives, Ryan Mahoney will serve as Craig’s Chief of Staff and direct all operations in the Mayor’s office. Mahoney, of Manchester, most recently served as the senior staff member to NH State Senate Minority Leader Senator Jeff Woodburn and the NH State Senate Democratic Caucus. Mahoney will rely on his extensive experience in government administration to support Mayor-elect Craig’s plans to improve and modernize the function of city government.
Lauren Smith will act as Policy and Strategic Outreach Director and will work with city officials, business and community leaders, and residents to implement an agenda that builds a stronger Manchester. Smith will assist Mayor-elect Craig in implementing her innovative plans to improve our city with an emphasis on making Manchester’s school district a model for educating our children for the jobs of tomorrow. Prior to joining Craig’s staff, Smith served as the Communications Director for SEA/SEIU Local 1984, managing communications to over 12,000 public and private-sector workers across New Hampshire.
Donald Stokes will join the team as Community Engagement Director. A recent graduate of Saint Anselm College, Stokes worked on Mayor-elect Craig’s 2017 campaign, as well as on the re-election campaign of Executive Councilor Chris Pappas. Stokes will oversee interactions with residents to ensure the Mayor’s office is more open, responsive and accessible than ever.
“As we begin the hard work of building a stronger Manchester, I am thrilled to announce the hiring of my key staff members,” said Craig. “Ryan, Lauren and Donald share my desire to make the mayor’s office work in the best interest of all Manchester residents. As a team, we are excited to address Manchester’s challenges and ensure that the Queen City reaches its full potential.”
