City Attorney Dennis Herrera says veteran journalist and communications professional will be asset to the office and city
SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 21, 2016)—City Attorney Dennis Herrera today announced that John Coté has joined the City Attorney’s Office as Communications Director and Press Secretary, filling the position recently vacated by Matt Dorsey.
Coté comes to the City Attorney’s Office from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, where he served as the Strategic Communications Manager. He also has more than 15 years of journalism experience, including as a Staff Writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Modesto Bee. He has provided commentary on Bay Area public policy on KQED and KCRW.
During more than eight years at the San Francisco Chronicle, Coté covered breaking news, courts, land use, public policy and politics. One of his first reporting beats was covering courts for the Modesto Bee, including the Scott Peterson double-murder case. He also covered civil and criminal courts at both the state and federal level for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
“John Coté brings a wealth of knowledge about the intersection of media, politics, public policy and the law,” City Attorney Dennis Herrera said. “I know he’ll be an invaluable asset to our office and the people of San Francisco.”
Coté joined the City Attorney’s Office on October 17, 2016 after Dorsey left to pursue a career opportunity in the private sector. Coté received his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Colorado, Boulder and his master’s degree in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and two children.