Back in January when I posted that Houston Mayor Sylvester appointed former KPRC 2 reporter Mary Benton interim press secretary after Darian Ward resigned, was there any doubt she would get the full-time gig?
Well, the day is here.
We learned yesterday through a press release that Benton is now officially the mayor's press secretary:
CONTACT: Leave me a Houston or Texas media news tip | COMMENT: Click to leave your thoughts on this post hereHOUSTON - Houston Mayor Sylvester has appointed seasoned communicator Mary Benton as his press secretary, two months after she stepped into the job on an interim basis.
“To no one’s surprise, Mary adapted well to the demanding job since the very first day and has already demonstrated her integrity, dedication and the benefits of her experience,” the mayor said. “As a key addition to my communications staff, she will ensure that we effectively use every available pathway to keep the public informed about my agenda and what the city is doing for all of its residents.”
Benton was a TV news reporter for KPRC (Channel 2) for 20 years before joining Harris County government in 2014. She managed media relations and public affairs at the Harris County Toll Road Authority, worked in the precinct offices of two Harris County commissioners, and served as a communications, education and public engagement coordinator at the Harris County Public Health Department.
She is a member of the Houston chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, a board member of the charity Undies For Everyone, a Texas Association of Broadcasters member, a member of the Gulf Coast Apollo Chapter (TX) of the service organizations Links, Inc., a Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers member and a Texas Exes Life Member, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
