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Mayor Emily Larson Announces New Public Information Officer

[Duluth, MN] Mayor Emily Larson announced today the hiring of a new Public Information Officer, Kate Van Daele.

The Public Information Officer plays a critical role in providing information to the public and the media.

“The City of Duluth is excited to have Kate serve in this role. She has a clear passion for our city, and for the work that we do here. We are thrilled to have her tell our story with the lens that she brings to this position,” states Mayor Larson.

“I am honored to take on this role, and continue to work with the City of Duluth,” Van Daele said. “During my work with the Imagine Duluth 2035 Plan, I heard loud and clear that citizens want to hear more about the work that the city does. I am looking forward to sharing work that happens within each department, and spotlight unique attributes that are happening throughout the year.”

Previously, Van Daele worked as a city planner in the Planning and Economic Development Department. She led the Imagine Duluth 2035 Comprehensive Plan social engagement campaign, in addition to managing several grant contracts. She has expertise in strategic communication, video production, and social media management.

Van Daele and her family moved to Duluth from Denver, Colorado in 2016. In Denver, Kate worked with many non-profits raising funds for homeless and cancer programs, in addition to the City of Denver. She is a native Minnesotan, who grew up in Minneapolis. She enjoys collecting beach glass, walking her one-year-old Sheepadoodle, Nala with her husband, and raising their four-month-old son.

In accepting the Public Information Officer position, Van Daele replaces Pakou Ly, who served in this role since 2009.

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