Exodus at Tweed continues as communications head moves on

Andrew Kirtzman, a senior advisor to the chancellor who managed the Department of Education’s communications during Mayor Bloomberg’s last year in office, is leaving the department, Chancellor Carmen Fariña announced today.

“In his time here, he has played a critical role in virtually every major strategic move the Department has embarked upon,” Fariña said in an email to staff. “His implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy spanned across all of DOE and brought our messaging abilities to a new level.”

Kirtzman wasn’t in the job for long—he was appointed by Dennis Walcott in March 2013 after a career in political journalism. He will be the vice president for communications at Global Strategy Group, a public relations firm. LearnNY, a group that lobbied to extend mayoral control, is listed as one of Global Strategy Group’s clients.

Here’s Fariña’s full email:

Dear Colleagues, I am writing to let you know that Senior Advisor to the Chancellor for External Affairs Andrew Kirtzman will be leaving us to join Global Strategy Group as Vice President for Communications. His last day with us will beJanuary 31st. For the past year, Andrew has served as the chief media, communications and public affairs advisor to the Chancellor. In his time here, he has played a critical role in virtually every major strategic move the Department has embarked upon. His implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy spanned across all of DOE and brought our messaging abilities to a new level. His creative reimagining of the press and marketing operations strengthened the functioning of those offices immeasurably. Andrew’s work at DOE – coupled with his vast experience as one of the city’s most respected newspaper and television journalists – will doubtlessly serve Global Strategy Group well. I thank him for his help launching this new era for DOE, and I wish him the best of luck in his new endeavor. Best, Carmen Fariña Chancellor