Hoboken spokesman leaving post next week, deputy chief of staff to fill in for now

Hoboken spokesman Juan Melli is leaving his post effective Monday, March 5th and will be replaced in the interim by Deputy Chief of Staff Jason Freeman as the city continues a search for a permanent replacement. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“Juan has been an invaluable resource to residents of the City of Hoboken over the course of his service to our community,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla.

“I recall during Superstorm Sandy the countless hours Juan placed on crisis and communications management alongside Mayor Dawn Zimmer to keep our community informed and safe. He will be missed by us all, and I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

Melli served as city spokesman for the majority of Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s time in office, taking the gig in May 2010.

As Hudson County View reported in November, Melli has started his own consulting firm: Progressive Strategies.

As the city continues their search for a full-time replacement, Jason Freeman, Bhalla’s deputy chief of staff, will serve as the interim city spokesman.