Photo Credit: Michael Appleton, New York City Mayor’s Office
Building Trust Through Strategy and Storytelling
Ryan Birchmeier has spent his career advising public officials, CEOs, non-profit leaders, startup founders, and health care executives. He previously served as the communications director to New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the head of communications and government relations for the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation.
Prior to joining the Adams administration, Ryan was a senior vice president at New York City-based communications firm, Thunder11, and an assistant vice president at the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
He began his career in the Philadelphia city government and graduated from Saint Joseph’s University, where serves on the advisory board of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Experience Highlights
New York City Mayor’s Office
Communications Director
Ryan led the communications and speechwriting teams for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, overseeing messaging across more than 70 city agencies and directing all proactive communications from City Hall. He advised the mayor, deputy mayors, and senior officials on strategic communications, media engagement, and crisis response, shaping the administration’s approach to major policy challenges including post-pandemic economic recovery, affordable housing, and youth mental health.
Ryan developed long-term communications strategies and built systems to measure message execution and impact. He managed mayoral speeches, profiles, and media appearances, and conceived creative campaigns that unified earned, digital, and non-traditional media around key legislative and policy goals. During his tenure, he was also tapped to serve in a dual role overseeing housing and economic development communications while leading public information for the Office of Technology and Innovation.
New York City Office of Technology & Innovation
Deputy Commissioner, Public Information
Ryan oversaw communications for the city’s technology authority, including the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, NYC311, NYC Cyber Command, the Office of Information Privacy, and the Office of Data and Analytics. He served as the principal advisor on external affairs for the city’s Chief Technology, Privacy, and Information Security Officers, leading strategies that strengthened public trust in the city’s technology initiatives.
Ryan managed a team of eight and implemented programs to boost engagement, development, and retention. He led communications for high-profile projects such as MyCity, Big Apple Connect, and Link5G, and directed crisis response to major cybersecurity incidents. He also oversaw intergovernmental relations, coordinating with elected officials and community leaders, testifying before the City Council, and shaping policy discussions around issues like biometric technology and digital equity.
Thunder11
Senior Vice President, Client Services
As a Partner at a New York City–based strategic communications firm, Ryan led a team of six serving clients across technology, health care, and public affairs. He was named an equity partner in 2020 and helped guide firmwide operations, business development, and talent strategy. Ryan developed communications plans, managed media relations and crisis response, and produced key messaging materials, op-eds, and high-profile press events.
He directed strategy for the firm’s largest client, the George Kaiser Family Foundation, advancing economic development initiatives in Tulsa, Oklahoma — from the rebuilding of Black Wall Street to workforce and entrepreneurship programs, corporate attraction, and remote-work relocation. His campaigns secured national coverage in outlets including The Washington Post, NBC Nightly News, and Good Morning America, successfully launching major initiatives and mitigating reputational risk across complex issues.
New York City Economic Development Corp.
Assistant Vice President, Public Affairs
Ryan oversaw communications for a broad portfolio of projects shaping the city’s economic and physical landscape. He led messaging and media strategy for initiatives including the reactivation of industrial and maritime infrastructure, rezonings to spur affordable housing, and investments to strengthen neighborhood resiliency. Ryan crafted communications plans, produced press materials, and managed crisis response while preparing senior officials for interviews and public appearances. His efforts generated coverage in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fast Company, Fortune, CNN, and NY1, positioning the agency as a leader in driving equitable growth and innovation across New York City.
City of Philadelphia
Communications Manager
Ryan began his career in public service with the City of Philadelphia, managing communications and digital media for the Office of Innovation and Technology. He led storytelling around the city’s open data and civic technology initiatives and helped shape content strategy for the launch of the redesigned phila.gov website. Later, as communications lead for the Managing Director and Deputy Mayor, Ryan oversaw press and digital content, managed the city’s video production team, and chaired a cross-departmental social media working group. His work modernized how Philadelphia communicated city services and showcased innovation across municipal government.