Safa Hira serves as Director of Communications and Engagement for Howard County Government, where she leads the county's strategic communications, public information, media relations, and community engagement efforts. She also serves as Public Information Officer where she oversees the Public Information Office, mentors communications professionals across county government, and develops comprehensive communications strategies that advance policy initiatives, enhance public transparency, and strengthen community trust.
As the county's primary spokesperson and media contact, Hira directs crisis communications, public affairs, digital engagement, and marketing initiatives for the Office of the County Executive and County Administration. She provides strategic counsel on emerging issues, stakeholder engagement, and public messaging, ensuring coordinated and effective communication across Howard County's diverse platforms and audiences.
Hira oversees the county's external communications portfolio, including executive messaging, media outreach, social media strategy, digital content, visual communications, and the weekly Ball Bulletin e-newsletter. Her work focuses on making government more accessible, transparent, and responsive through innovative communications practices and meaningful public engagement.
Hira joined Howard County Government as a Community Liaison where she served as a key connection between residents and county government through constituent relations, community outreach, and public engagement initiatives. In this role, she also managed the County Executive’s social media communications and helped strengthen the county’s digital presences. She later advanced to Communications Manager, where she led a broad range of communications efforts, including strategic messaging, media relations, digital communications, and public information campaigns, before being appointed Director of Communications and Engagement.
Prior to joining Howard County Government, Hira served in public policy and legislative roles supporting the Baltimore City Council and the Maryland General Assembly, gaining experience in media relations, office management, government affairs, constituent engagement, and public policy development.
A proud Howard County native, Hira holds an associate’s degree from Howard Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Public Policy from the University of Baltimore, and a Master of Arts in Government with a specialization in Political Communication from Johns Hopkins University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Morgan State University.
