Jeff Simmons

Background

About Jeff Simmons

I love telling stories. Throughout my career, as a journalist, spokesman for elected officials, or communications consultant for amazing nonprofits, I’ve always focused on telling stories - and the impact they have on creating change. Currently, I work with some of the most amazing nonprofits in NYC. As Executive Vice President of Anat Gerstein Inc, I'm part of a team providing full-service strategic communications, public relations and public affairs services to the nonprofit sector, including those with a focus on education, economic development, social service, finance, philanthropy, and arts and culture. In my (little!) free time, I host City Watch on Thursdays at 5 PM (ET) on WBAI 99.5 FM (and previously hosted a second show, Driving Forces, for 6 years on WBAI), and I host the It's in Queens podcast for the Queens Economic Development Corporation/Queens Tourism Council. Previously, I served as Senior Vice President for Communications for the Alliance for Downtown New York, determining short- and long-term communications strategy and overseeing a team of accomplished communications and information technology professionals. Additionally, I oversaw event management and and programming initiatives. In this role, I provided media counsel to advance the mission, goals and programs of the Downtown Alliance, spearheaded the development of a new website and smartphone mobile app, strengthened communications initiatives targeting media and constituent groups, offered media training and crisis management counseling, and supervised the production of online and hard-copy collateral and reports. Earlier, I ran communications for New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. from April 2002 until December 2009. Additionally, I was involved in several campaigns, as Campaign Manager for Thompson in his 2005 reelection campaign; Campaign Advisor during his 2009 New York City's mayoral bid; and, Communications Director for New York State Senator David A. Paterson in his 2006 New York State Lieutenant Governor run.