The city of Mesa has hired Ana Pereira as the new public information and communications director, after a nationwide search. She will begin working on May 10.

Ms. Pereira has an extensive communications background in both the private and public sectors. As vice president of client services for Urias Communications in Phoenix, she oversees the management of all agency accounts and leads the development of strategic digital, public relations and advertising campaigns targeting general, Hispanic and Native American markets, according to a release.

Prior to joining Urias, Ms. Pereira served as outreach director for John McCain’s successful 2016 re-election campaign to the U.S. Senate. Ms. Pereira was a Spanish language news reporter for Telemundo in Phoenix and for Univision in Orlando and Boston. She also served as the communications director for a Boston council member.

“Ana brings a diverse skill set, experience and expertise when it comes to communications initiatives and community relations,” Mesa City Manager Chris Brady said in the release. “She will be a very strong addition to the City of Mesa and we are very excited to have her join us.”

Ms. Pereira will lead the city of Mesa’s Public Information and Communication Office which oversees the Mesa Channel 11 broadcasting, the coordination of digital communications and media relations as well as the development of the city’s strategic communications plan.

“I am very honored to be selected as public information and communications director for the city of Mesa. I look forward to working with the mayor, City Council, city departments and the Mesa community to develop communications strategies, engage our residents and help tell Mesa’s story as a growing, diverse and dynamic city,” Ms. Pereira said in the release.

Ms. Pereira is a native of Venezuela and has a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Emerson College in Boston. She serves on the board of directors of the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.