Stu Loeser
Stu Loeser | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age Andrews Air Force Base, near Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Communications strategist, press secretary |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Known for | Press Secretary to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg |
Stu Loeser is a communications strategist affiliated with the Democratic Party who held the position of Press Secretary under former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, ultimately becoming the city's longest-serving individual in that role.
Early life and education
Born in October 1973 at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., Loeser lived there until he was four years old. His father’s career in the Air Force meant the family relocated multiple times before finally settling in Commack, Long Island, when Loeser reached nine years of age. His parents initially met while employed at a Jewish summer hotel located in the Catskill Mountains. His Jewish heritage traces back to grandparents who escaped Germany prior to World War II; notably, his maternal grandfather was employed in a pencil manufacturing plant in Washington Heights. After completing high school, Loeser pursued higher education at the University of Pennsylvania.
Political career
Loeser’s political journey commenced as Director of Media Research for Al Gore’s 2000 presidential bid. Subsequently, he took on the role of research director for Mark Green’s 2001 mayoral campaign in New York City and later for Carl McCall’s 2002 campaign for governor of New York. He also served as Communications Director for U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Prior to his appointment as Press Secretary, Loeser acted as spokesperson for Mayor Bloomberg’s 2005 re-election effort and held the position of deputy press secretary. In adherence to strict Jewish observance, he consulted with rabbis before accepting this role and relocated to the Lower East Side to ensure he could walk home on Friday evenings.
Loeser developed a reputation as a leading expert in opposition research within New York City, applying his strategic communication skills extensively throughout Bloomberg’s administration.
Private sector consulting
Following his departure from City Hall, Loeser established Stu Loeser & Co., a media strategy consultancy advising clients such as Eric Schneiderman, Michael Bloomberg, Michael Daffey, Tina Brown, and Cyrus Vance Jr.. He contributed to Uber’s advisory team that effectively challenged Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposed cap on for-hire vehicles in New York City. Additionally, Loeser holds a trustee position with the Citizens Budget Commission, an independent civic organization.
Personal life
Loeser is married to Jessica Loeser, an attorney specializing in New York City real estate law with a focus on land use, zoning, and landmark preservation. Together they have four children. Jessica previously served as a senior aide to New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and ran unopposed in 2010 for the role of female Democratic district leader representing the Lower East Side.
As a practicing Jew, Loeser observes the Sabbath by abstaining from work between Friday sunset and Saturday sunset. During his time as Bloomberg’s press secretary, staff were instructed to contact him during the Sabbath only under circumstances involving immediate threats to life, such as incidents like the Deutsche Bank Building fire or Hurricane Irene.