Mayor’s Spokesman Departs for Private Sector

Ryan O’Doherty, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s director of policy and communications director, is leaving city government to work for Mercy Health Services.

O’Doherty, 35, has worked in the Rawlings-Blake administration for the past five years and previously served as director of communications for Cardinal William Keeler and the Maryland Democratic Party, according to a news release announcing his departure.

“I am very excited to pursue this new opportunity with Mercy," O'Doherty said in a news release. "Working for Mayor Rawlings-Blake has been both rewarding and exhilarating and she has already built a record of major accomplishments that will help make Baltimore a growing and thriving city. It has been a tremendous honor to be a part of the Mayor's senior team, and I look forward to continuing our friendship and helping her implement her vision for Baltimore.”

His last day in the mayor’s office will be June 30.

O’Doherty’s departure completes an overhaul of the mayor’s press office. In May Ian Brennan, the mayor’s former press secretary, left City Hall to become the Baltimore Fire Department’s spokesman.