Five days after Mitch Landrieu was elected Mayor of New Orleans in 2010, he launched Transition New Orleans to prepare his administration for office. The transition team identified challenges and opportunities and provided information to guide the new mayor. Unprecedented public input was sought, and 17 task forces were created to gather valuable input and advice from hundreds of experts and community leaders.

As Director of Communications, Ragusa oversaw communications for these task forces and all community engagement. He created the messaging platform, drafting press materials, speeches, and daily talking points. Additionally, Ragusa organized dozens of community meetings and managed an onslaught of media requests. The BP Gulf oil spill occurred in the midst of the transition, requiring Ragusa to help manage communications early in the crisis.

Once in office, Landrieu enjoyed overwhelming public support and represented a new era of public service in New Orleans.

Ragusa continued to provide public relations support for the Mayor’s campaign and select initiatives as he had since 2014 when Landrieu was Lt. Governor of Louisiana.