Mayor Roger Reinert’s office welcomed Senior Advisor, Communication and Marketing Jessica Hehir and Senior Advisor, Policy and Government Affairs John Dukich to their first day on the job this week. Their positions had been held open since the mayor began his term on January 2, 2024.
“Their collective professional experience will be an asset to our community. They have already hit the ground running and I am excited to have Jessica and John on board,” Reinert said.
Hehir transfers to this role from the Life Safety Division of the Duluth Fire Department where she worked as a housing inspector. With a background bearing more than 20 years’ experience in applied communications and marketing, Senior Advisor, Communication and Marketing Jessica Hehir will plan and direct public information programs, coordinate overall marketing efforts, and serve as the primary contact in the Mayor’s Office for major events and other City of Duluth sponsorships.
Said Hehir of her new position, “It is an honor to be appointed to this position. I grew up in Duluth and am a long-term enthusiast of this beautiful city and all it has to offer. I look forward to helping Mayor Reinert realize his vision for our city.”
Senior Advisor, Policy and Government Affairs John Dukich brings a depth of legislative experience to his new position. Dukich joined the City of Duluth from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and has worked with the Minnesota Technology Association and former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton’s Task Force on Broadband. In his role, John Dukich will conduct policy research and development, lead intergovernmental relations, and serve as mayoral proxy at designated functional groups engaged in policy development.
“Duluth has a lot of momentum is such a beautiful place, with a great community. I’m excited to hit the ground running to help the Mayor navigate future opportunities and continue to make our city a great place to live,” said Dukich of the new opportunity.
Both Hehir and Dukich will serve as liaisons between the mayor’s office and constituents and represent Mayor Reinert at various meetings and events.
The city council approved the mayor’s appointment of Hehir and Dukich during their regular meeting on April 22, 2024. Both contracts now state that the positions will terminate at the end of Reinert’s four-year term unless they are renewed.
