Mayor Mary Sheffield says the next chapter of her administration will depend on whether residents can clearly see what the city is doing, how to access it, and how to hold leaders accountable for results.
Sheffield has named Jamie K. Walters, the former WDIV Local 4 program director and co-founder of VVK PR + Creative, as Senior Director of Mayor’s Office Communications. Walters will lead the mayor’s communications strategy with a focus on resident-centered messaging tied to the administration’s programs and priorities, while also supporting efforts to attract partnerships and growth to the city.
“My administration is going to be about providing all Detroiters with pathways to a better quality of life,” Sheffield said. “We will drastically improve services and make resources available in neighborhoods so that Detroiters stay and raise families here. For our efforts to be broadcasted and utilized, we need to develop creative and innovative ways to communicate to our residents.”
Sheffield said her team also plans to focus on bringing Detroiters back to the city while drawing visitors and major partnerships that strengthen Detroit’s workforce and small business ecosystem.
“We also want to bring the Detroiters that moved out of our city with incentives and opportunities, while attracting visitors and major partnerships that support our workforce and small business ecosystem,” Sheffield said. “Elevating our strategies and also our institutions, amenities and unique attractions are top priorities. Jamie’s presence will allow us to think strategically about marketing the Detroit we all know and love to the world.”
Walters brings more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, crisis management, and executive leadership. She spent 20 years at WDIV Local 4, Detroit’s NBC affiliate, serving as Creative Services and Programming Director. Sheffield’s office said Walters managed a 34-person team during her time at the station and executive produced major Detroit cultural events, including America’s Thanksgiving Parade and the Ford Fireworks. Her work also included political programming, including the Sunday morning show “Flashpoint.”
A 25-year Detroit resident, Walters is described by the administration as deeply civically engaged, with long-standing relationships across media, nonprofit, and municipal sectors throughout the region. Sheffield called Walters “one of the most effective and respected communications professionals anywhere,” adding, “I am proud to have her on our team.”
Walters’ role is positioned as separate from the city’s departmental communications function, which is led by Vickie Thomas, Senior Director. The mayor’s office described Walters’ work as focused on executive positioning, broad policy messaging, stakeholder relations, and strategic communications tied to the mayor’s priorities and vision. Thomas’ team will focus on operational and service delivery messaging connected to specific city departments, with increased capacity under the new structure.
The reorganization is described as a standard practice used in major cities such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. The administration framed the shift as part of Sheffield’s stated goal of deeper community engagement and the growth of Detroit as a destination for families, small business development, large-scale economic development, and tourism.
Walters said her decision was immediate once Sheffield offered the job.
“When Mayor Sheffield offered me the role, my decision instantly became clear,” Walters said. “The chance to work for the people of Detroit and alongside a leader committed to equity, transparency, and real progress was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”
Walters will begin her new position Monday, Jan. 26.
