Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL) on Friday announced that Gina Maiola has been promoted to serve as her administration’s communications director.
The announcement comes on the heels of current communications director Leah Garner accepting a position in the private sector. Maiola presently serves as the governor’s press secretary. Her appointment becomes effective October 18.
In announcing the promotion, Ivey sang the praises of Maiola for the communications professional’s years of service to her administration.
“I am proud to announce Gina Maiola has been promoted to communications director,” said Ivey. “Gina has been a major asset to the administration since my very first day as governor. Gina is well respected, has strong relationships with media outlets across the state, and I am confident she will continue to do extremely good work in her new role.”
Maiola holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and information sciences from the University of Alabama, where she graduated with honors.
Her ascension to head of the governor’s press office began in 2016 when she served as digital content producer, later being promoted to digital content director. Maiola was promoted to deputy press secretary in 2018, where she functioned as chief speechwriter. In this capacity, she advised Ivey on speeches such as her 2019 state of the state address, where she famously championed the Rebuild Alabama Act. Maiola was promoted to press secretary the following year.
While working as the governor’s primary spokesperson since June 2019, Maiola has worked closely with Ivey on a number of key issues.
In a statement provided to Yellowhammer News, Maiola expressed her appreciation to Ivey for her service to the state of Alabama.
“Governor Ivey is an exceptional leader and an incredible boss and person, and all of us on her team are honored to have some small part in helping her achieve her goals for Alabama,” said Maiola. “I am happy for Leah in her new role and am glad to continue working alongside Lori, Charles and Hal in the Governor’s Press Office. We are fortunate in Alabama to have a governor like Governor Ivey.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
