Mayor Andre Dickens announced the appointment of Bryan Thomas as his Administration’s Communications Director. Thomas most recently served as Senior Director of External Relations for Habitat for Humanity International—the Atlanta-based leading global housing nonprofit. In that role, he oversaw public and media relations, executive communications, thought leadership and other aspects of the organization.

“Bryan brings with him a breadth of knowledge in housing, transportation and governmental affairs. His experience will be key in assisting our Administration to better meet the needs of Atlanta’s communities,” said Mayor Dickens.

Current Communications Director Elise Durham—who served during the Bottoms and Dickens Administrations—has been appointed Assistant General Manager, Airport Business Diversity at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

“Thank you to Elise Durham for her dedication and leadership—working day and night to ensure a smooth transition process for the Administration. I wish her all the best in her new senior role at ATL,” concluded Mayor Dickens.

Prior to Habitat for Humanity, Thomas served as political appointee during the Obama-Biden Administration as Communications Director for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As a member of the agency’s senior leadership team, he led public outreach on major automotive investigations and recalls; and helped write the nation’s first Federal Automated Vehicles Policy. Thomas also led communications for Jason Carter’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign and spent five years on Capitol Hill working for U.S. Senator Carl Levin and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen.

"It's an honor to join Mayor Dickens' administration to help move Atlanta forward. My wife and I are raising our family in Atlanta not only because we love this city as it is, but because we believe in the even greater community it is becoming. It's the Atlanta that Mayor Dickens is working hard to build, where everyone shares in new opportunities, and no one is left behind. I'm ready to get to work,” said Bryan Thomas.

Thomas holds a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University and bachelor’s degrees in business administration and international political economy from the University of California, Berkeley. He currently lives in Atlanta with his wife—Eva Leidman, an epidemiologist—and their daughter Anne.

Thomas’ appointment is effective April 4, 2022.