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Maria Montaño is currently the Press Secretary at the City of Pittsburgh. Prior to that, they worked as a Campaign Communications Specialist with SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania from February 2013 to November 2021. In that role, they were responsible for developing strategic communications plans in support of workers forming their unions.

Some of their accomplishments include developing innovative social media campaigns to identify potential new union members, executing press events across Pennsylvania, and providing mentorship and professional development for new communications staff. Maria is skilled at identifying and developing spokespeople to share their stories and experiences at public events and with the media. Additionally, they have facilitated workshops and trainings to grow digital skills of staff, members, and not-yet union members.

Maria has also worked with elected officials to support union efforts and hold large corporations accountable to their communities. Maria has provided trainings for key community allies on building strong media relationships, speaking, interviewing, and digital skills.

Maria Montaño is a musician and percussionist who studied at Western Colorado University. Maria is also certified as a victim advocate from the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center.

Some of their coworkers include Janet K. Manuel - Director, Human Resources & Civil Service & EEO, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Kyle Chintalapalli - Chief Economic Development Officer, and Sarah D. Kinter - Director of Permits, Licenses, & Inspections. Their manager is Ed Gainey, Mayor Ed Gainey.