GUEST BIO

Carla Hoke-Miller is a cultural programs strategist and veteran of New York City government with a background in theatre studies, playwriting, production, and political science and urban studies.

She and colleagues working in the live and media arts industries under then Commissioner Cynthia Lopez developed the Programs Department within the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) in 2015 to engage in furthering the Office's mission to support and strengthen New York City’s creative economy and make it more inclusive. Named Executive Director of the first Theatre and Live Performance Programs and Partnerships Department, Carla has worked collaboratively with colleagues and peers in City government and with those in commercial and not-for-profit theatre/performing arts organizations and companies to create more than 250 theatre partnerships and initiatives to further diversity, inclusion, and help address quality of life and career opportunities for those within these industries. Along with the MOME Commissioner, she oversees the first-of-its kind NYC Theatre and Live Performance Industry Council to advance partnership among City government and Commercial and Not-for-Profit industry leaders and promote the work of the Council working committees. Formed in 2023 to address and advise on issues and policies affecting those throughout the city working in and around the theatre and live performance industries, Council representatives continue to inform City agencies and administrations now and into the future.

Early in her career, Carla assisted in the creation of a Special Projects Unit in Manhattan Borough President David N. Dinkins Office, followed by tenure in his Mayoral Administration within the Office of Special Projects and Events, and as Administrator at Gracie Mansion. She went on to inform the structure of The Steven L. Newman Real Estate Institute at Baruch College; served as Publicity Manager at Brooklyn Museum of Art; led membership and special programs at Miami International Film Festival; and created a Conference/Events Division at Advertising Research Foundation and MediaPost Communications. Prior to her position at MOME, Carla was a Collaborating Partner specializing in theatre and performing arts at Growth for Good, a company focused on helping NYC not-for-profits and institutions with fundraising, strategy, leadership, and marketing, securing more than $50 million in grants in its first five years, and was an active member of The Writers Bloc playwrights consortium.

About the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME)
The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment's mission is to support and strengthen New York City's creative economy and make it accessible to all. In 2019, the creative industries accounted for more than 440,000 local jobs and have an economic impact of $150 billion annually. To make these industries more accessible, MOME has created programs, initiatives, and resources for all New Yorkers – from those who work in the creative industries and those who aspire to a career in these industries, to those who simply want to experience the city's cultural offerings.