Desiree Peterkin Bell is a distinguished strategist and public relations professional based just outside New York City. Her illustrious career spans more than two decades, during which she has collaborated with notable political figures such as Michael Bloomberg, Michael A. Nutter, and Cory Booker. Capitalizing on her extensive experience, she established DPBell & Associates in 2016, a public affairs firm that offers a broad spectrum of services.
After obtaining her Master’s degree in Public Administration as a National Urban Fellow, Desiree embarked on her professional journey in Indianapolis, serving under Mayor Bart Peterson. She engaged deeply with community, education, and economic development initiatives there. Her career turned pivotal post-9/11 when she returned to her native New York City to serve as the Supervising Legislative Representative for the Bloomberg Administration. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in passing groundbreaking legislation, including The New York City Smoke-Free Air Act of 2002, Tort Reform, and the Film Tax Credit.
Desiree’s career continued to flourish as she became the Vice President of Government Affairs for NYC Marketing, where she was instrumental in securing significant corporate sponsorships and promoting major cultural events. In 2006, her path led her to Newark, New Jersey, where she joined Mayor Cory Booker’s administration as the Director of Communication. In this role, she was instrumental in modernizing the city’s communication strategies and boosting Booker’s social media profile, which earned the city’s Office of Communications accolades for excellence.