Deanna R Bitetti

Deanna R. Bitetti is a strategic manager and natural problem-solver who expertly advises senior leadership, crafts public policy, and cultivates relationships with external stakeholders. She has worked for over 15 years in government relations, policy analysis, negotiation and communications.

Bitetti currently oversee communications and external relations at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Liaison Office in NYC. She previously served as Head of Communications/Senior Project Lead for Tokyo2020 in the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Representation Office in Tokyo. In that capacity, she led cross-functional teams to deliver on external engagement strategies to mobilize support for the second ever Refugee Olympic and Paralympic teams. Prior to joining UNHCR, Bitetti was Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Communications at the New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs where she helped create a global platform to share best practices on sustainable development initiatives and strengthened the City’s engagement with the United Nations and NYC diplomatic corps. She has also successfully negotiated financing for UN operations around the world as a Senior Policy Advisor for the United Kingdom Mission to the UN and delegate to the UN Fifth Committee. Prior, Bitetti held senior adviser positions across local and state government in New York. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College as part of the inaugural cohort of the Macaulay Honors College University Scholars Program and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.