DeHaarte Named Newark Press Secretary

Kimberly DeHaarte, a Newark native and longtime staffer in the City of Newark’s communications office, has been appointed press secretary, replacing Esmeralda Diaz Cameron, the city said in a statement.

“Esmeralda Cameron added a valued voice to our city hall team, helping to spread the stories of Newark’s successes over the past four years. I wish her great luck in her future endeavors. As a key member of my communications team for the past five years, Kimberly DeHaarte has helped to craft the Newark success story. In recognition of her service and commitment to our city, I confidently promote her to serve as my new press secretary,” Mayor Cory Booker stated.

Diaz Cameron resigned two weeks ago to accept a position with Verizon.

DeHaarte, who takes over Aug. 6., is now chief of staff in the office of communications, where she has worked for five years. In her new role as press secretary she will serve as the primary spokesperson on behalf of the Booker administration. 

"I look forward to the challenge that my new role as spokeswoman for the city of Newark will bring and will devote myself to fulfilling the responsibilities that the position requires. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the city I love,” DeHaarte said in a statement. .

DeHaarte will also take over as acting communications director, a post held by Diaz Cameron since former director Anne Torres stepped down in May following a controversial appearance by Booker on NBC’s “Meet the Press."

A new communications director is to be named soon, the city also said.

-Paul Milo