PRESS RELEASE

PR26-38
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2026
Contact: SOSPress@sos.ca.gov

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Announces Appointment of Deputy Secretary of State for Communications

Sacramento, Calif. – California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., announced today the appointment of Dedee Verdin of Los Angeles as Deputy Secretary of State for Communications. Verdin will lead the agency’s communications efforts, including media, social media, video, and graphic services.

Verdin brings more than a decade of experience in strategic communications and public affairs, including work across government and private sectors. In her new role, she will oversee media relations and press operations; social media strategy and content production; video and graphic services to support communication across all platforms; and digital outreach initiatives designed to improve public understanding of state programs and services. 

From 2018 to 2026, she served in the Office of Los Angeles Councilmember Curren D. Price, most recently as Deputy Director of Communications. Earlier in her tenure, Verdin held dual roles as Communications Associate and Homelessness Response Team Associate. Between 2011 and 2018, she worked as a self-employed photojournalist and multimedia producer, documenting major civic and cultural events.

“I am confident Dedee’s dedication to public service and experience in strategic communications, media relations and content creation, will be of great value to the Office of the Secretary of State and will serve our programs well,” said Secretary Weber.

Verdin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from California State University, Northridge, with an emphasis on Photojournalism and a collateral in Sociology. 

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