Jason Bonafide - Ed Lewi and Associates Jason Bonafide

Media Relations Specialist

Jason Bonafide joins ELA as Media Relations Specialist, bringing more than 15 years of public relations and event management experience to the team.

A Capital Region native, Jason graduated from the College of Saint Rose with a B.A. in Public Communications. His college internship with the City of Albany Office of Cultural Affairs led to a full-time job, working with a small staff to produce iconic free local events like the Albany Tulip Festival and Alive at Five. Within a few years, Jason had worked his way up to the position of Public Relations Coordinator, managing all press materials, ad buys, and social media campaigns for a series of major municipal programs. Jason acted as primary spokesperson and media contact for the office, coordinated press conferences and official talking points, and worked closely with a variety of media sponsors.

In his most recent role at the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID), Jason collaborated with small businesses, sponsors, and government entities to execute a wide variety of community-oriented events and public art projects designed to showcase Downtown as a destination, including the PearlPalooza music festival and Downtown Albany Restaurant Week. As Special Events Manager, he helped strengthen existing programming and developed popular new events like the Hot Chocolate Stroll and Hounds of Halloween, drawing tens of thousands of attendees to Downtown annually.

Jason’s responsibilities at the BID included drafting event promotional materials, soliciting sponsorships, and managing all onsite and advance logistics.

In recognition of his contributions to the community, Mayor Kathy Sheehan issued an official proclamation declaring October 28, 2022 as “Jason Bonafide Day” in the City of Albany.

In his free time, you’ll find Jason playing guitar, wandering around a record shop or used book store, out in a kayak, or rooting on the Buffalo Bills.