Hoboken hires ex-city spokesman Melli’s younger brother to replace him

Hoboken’s search for a new city spokesman has ended, opting to hire Santiago Melli-Huber, the younger brother of his predecessor, Juan Melli, to fill the pivotal City Hall post. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“I welcome Santiago to my Administration and I thank him for stepping up to serve our community,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement yesterday.

Santiago will play a key role in connecting city government with the Hoboken community at large. I look forward to him helping move the City forward.”

Melli-Huber most recently worked as an on-air TV reporter for an NBC affiliate. He earned a B.A. in Journalism & Media Studies from Rutgers University, as well as a Masters in Journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Melli-Huber’s prior experience also includes freelance reporting for the Washington Blade and managing communications for the national non-profit Hispanic Heritage Foundation.

“I am looking forward to serving the City of Hoboken and bringing new ideas for improving communications with residents, businesses, and visitors,” added Melli-Huber.

Juan Melli stepped down as city spokesman on March 5th and has since become the Mercury Public Affairs vice president.

Meanwhile, Melli-Huber will begin his new job on Wednesday, March 28th.