Erika Moore Tapped to Lead Arlington Communication and Engagement

Published on July 16, 2024

Erika Moore has been named Arlington County's next Assistant County Manager for Communications and Public Engagement. In this role, she will provide vision and leadership for how the County continues to intentionally expand and diversify its outreach efforts and community input opportunities around all aspects of the County government operations. Moore succeeds Bryna Helfer, who left the County at the end of March after eight years of service.

"I am excited that Erika will permanently take on the County’s Communications and Public Engagement leadership role. She has the skill, perspective, and commitment to continue our important work of linking all community members to the information they need to know about how the County works," said County Manager Mark Schwartz. "In making this appointment, I am confident Erika will listen well to the many voices in our community and ensure they have a way to participate in the strengthening of our wonderful Arlington community."

Prior to this appointment, Moore served as the head of communications and engagement for the Arlington Department of Community Planning, Housing, and Development, where she led work on key County initiatives, including the Missing Middle Housing Study/Expanded Housing Options, Plan Langston Boulevard, Commercial Market Resiliency, the Future of Outdoor Dining, and Barcroft Apartments, among others.

Moore joined the County in 2018, where she worked as a key member of Helfer’s teams, leading communications and engagement around the County budget, CIP, assessments; elections; and the COVID-19 pandemic response.

"Throughout my career, I have been passionate about connecting people to their local government, providing the information they need, and helping them engage with decision makers. That passion reaches its pinnacle in the opportunity to lead the talented and dedicated communicators and engagers here in Arlington County," said Moore. "I am honored to be able to build on the strong foundation that has been established. I am committed to helping Arlington continue to intentionally seek out and listen to diverse voices, and I look forward to expanding our efforts to ensure Arlington community members have equitable access to information and engagement opportunities about the work that we do."

A native of the Washington, DC, region, Moore started her career as a newspaper journalist in Northern Virginia, covering local and state government with a focus on policy, land use, development, and public safety. Immediately prior to coming to Arlington County, she worked at an educational research and engagement firm, developing strategic communication plans and providing engagement expertise to public school districts around the country. Moore earned a B.A. in English from Arizona State University and M.A in Journalism from New York University.