Mahen Gunaratna, who spent most of the last eight years as Gov. Phil Murphy’s communications director, has joined Mikie Worldwide (MWW) as executive vice president of public affairs.
MWW has had a longtime presence in New Jersey as one of the state’s top public relations firms.
“Mahen has led in environments where the margin for error was small, and expectations were exceptionally high,” said MWW CEO Michael Kempner. “That perspective strengthens our ability to advise organizations facing complex decisions under intense public scrutiny.”
During his tenure in the Murphy administration, Mahen played a central role in navigating some of the most demanding challenges of the past decade, including the COVID-19 pandemic
Gunaratna served as chief public affairs officer and senior vice president of Everytown for Gun Safety, and as deputy communications director to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. He ran the press operations for Hillary Clinton in Florida during the 2016 presidential campaign, in New Mexico and Arizona for Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign, and as press secretary for two Florida Members of Congress. He is a graduate of Georgetown University.
“Organizations today are evaluated rigorously and continuously,” said Gunaratna. “MikeWorldWide is known for helping leaders act with confidence when the path forward is not obvious. I’m excited to join the firm and support clients through challenging and defining moments when clear vision and clear communication make all the difference.”
