Mayor’s Spokesperson Moves On

Mayor Justin Elicker’s press spokesperson, Gage Frank, is leaving City Hall to take the same position with State Treasurer Shawn Wooden.

Kyle Buda, the campaign manager for Elicker’s 2013 mayoral campaign, will become the new mayoral spokesperson starting next Monday.

Elicker first lured Frank, who was from Bridgeport, to New Haven to run his successful 2019 mayoral campaign. Frank, who had experience in state politics, was a quick study and developed trusted relationships around town. As mayoral spokesperson, he took the lead on informing the city day by day during the most severe public health pandemic in over a century. He has been a consummate professional in dealing with reporters.

Frank plans to continue living in New Haven and commuting to his Hartford job.

Following is the email message Frank sent to City Hall colleagues.

From: Gage Frank
To: DepartmentHeads

Subject: Moving On
Importance: High

Dear Department Heads,

It has been an absolute pleasure working with you all through one of the single most profound moments in our lifetimes and in human history. I have learned so much over the past year-and-a-half at City Hall, helping our new Mayor build this Administration, one that will forever be remembered as those that worked tirelessly to save lives, grow our economy, and build a future where everyone can thrive no matter the challenges ahead of us (and even in a pandemic!).

With that I want to let you know that my last day in-person will be this Friday, May 7, 2021, as I have chosen to move on from my role as Director of Communications in the Mayor’s Office. Mary Coursey will be coving for me next week starting May 10, as I will be intermittently checking email. Kyle Buda will start as the new Director of Communications on Monday, May 17.

I want to thank Mayor Justin Elicker, for believing in me, and our team. The past two-and-a-half-years have been some of the most exciting, inspiring, and transformational moments of my life. And I want to thank all of you, our Department Heads: I have seen first-hand that you truly embody the essence of public service, working tirelessly around the clock to meet our residents where they are at and going above and beyond in your efforts to solve challenges and provide services to the Elm City.

This is honestly a bittersweet moment for me. I am going to truly miss working with you all, fighting for the rights of our residents, solving issues in the community, and carrying the task of creating an equitable City where everyone can have the opportunity to actualize their fullest potential, and thrive. There are so many great things happening right now in New Haven, and so many more to come. It has been an absolute honor to be a part of this.

As I move on, I look forward to being a member of the public, living in New Haven, and reaching out to you to help me solve issues in our community. My door is always open, don’t be a stranger: (203) 522‑7077; [email protected]

Until we meet again,

Gage

Gage Frank
Director of Communications
Office of Mayor Justin Elicker
City of New Haven