The City of Joliet appointed Sydney Thompson as its new Media Engagement and Communications Director on March 23.
The City of Joliet shared on LinkedIn, “In her new role, Sydney will serve as the City’s primary spokesperson and lead our efforts to keep residents, businesses, and stakeholders more connected than ever.”
She succeeds Rosemaria DiBenedetto, who previously held the position and helped shape the City’s communications strategy.
DiBenedetto worked as Mayor Terry D’Arcy’s campaign manager for his 2023 election, and continued working in communications. The Media Engagement and Communications Director role was created in 2024 to formalize the work she had been doing.
DiBenedetto resigned in December 2025, and began her new role as Village Administrator for the Village of Manhattan.
Mayor Terry D’Arcy said, “Clear, strategic communication is essential to effective local government. Sydney’s leadership in municipal communications, expertise in media relations, and demonstrated ability to build trust and drive meaningful engagement will strengthen how we communicate with and serve the Joliet community,” in an article published by the City of Joliet.
Before coming to Joliet, Thompson was the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Village of Channahon where she took charge of the village’s overall communication strategy and acted as the main media contact.
She handled both proactive and reactive media, crisis communication, and led a project to rebrand the municipality.
“I am honored to join the City of Joliet and serve a community with such a rich history and strong sense of identity,” said Thompson in an article published by the city of Joliet. “I look forward to helping share that story while enhancing communication efforts, building strong relationships, and ensuring that story is shared with clarity, transparency, and purpose.”
