(Washington D.C.) – The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) proudly congratulates former AAMA President and Mayor of Columbia, SC, Stephen Benjamin, on his appointment by President Biden as Senior Advisor and Director of the Office of Public Engagement. The leadership of Mayor Benjamin will ensure the work of the Biden Administration is known and felt in communities throughout the nation.

“The appointment of my friend and predecessor is an inspired choice by President Biden,” said AAMA President and Mayor of Little Rock, Frank Scott, Jr. “Stephen is a true leader and public servant, and while following in the footsteps of the great Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms isn’t easy, Mayor Benjamin’s vision and passion for the people of our nation will ensure that government is open and connected to each of us.”

Mayor Benjamin has served for over two decades, first as Director of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services under Governor Jim Hodges and later as the three-term Mayor of Columbia,SC. During his tenure, he served as former President of both AAMA and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He currently serves as President & CEO of The Benjamin Firm and chair of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Board of Directors.

The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization dedicated to representing over 500 African American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the AAMA includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management.