The Town of Needham has hired Katie King as the new Assistant Town Manager/Director of Operations, bringing with her more than a decade of public sector and nonprofit experience focused on local government, management, public policy and advocacy.

King comes to Needham most recently from the City of Boston, where she served as Mayor Marty Walsh’s Director of Intergovernmental Relations and former Mayor Thomas Menino’s Director of State Relations. In those roles and in previous roles with the Mayor’s office, King was a senior advisor to the mayor on critical policy initiatives and urban affairs, including education and municipal finance reforms, regional housing production and more. Additionally, she facilitated communication and coordination across 43 City departments to address policy opportunities and manage external relations.

Before joining the City of Boston, King worked in various policy and advocacy roles with the American Cancer Society, US Department of Health and Human Services and American Lung Association of the Northeast.

“We’re excited that Katie is joining us,” said Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick. “Her experience and skill in managing complex organizations and her commitment to public service will be incredibly valuable to the work we’re doing on behalf of the residents and businesses of Needham.”

As Assistant Town Manager, King will be responsible for working with the Town Manager and department managers to meet the Town’s goals and objectives. King will also play a leadership role in advancing Town-wide planning initiatives, issues related to budgeting and human resources and more.

King begins her role June 1.

“Needham has an impressive local government and I am honored to join the team as Assistant Town Manager,” King said. “I am excited to step into this role and help lead municipal services, particularly during such a challenging time for residents and businesses. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and look forward to getting started.”

King holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, a master’s degree in Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health and an undergraduate degree from Boston University. She resides in Boston.