BOSTON – March 16, 2025– Benchmark Strategies, Boston’s leading public affairs and strategic communications firm, announced today that Malaika Lucien has joined the firm as Senior Director of Public Affairs.

Malaika brings nearly a decade of experience across state government, political strategy, and public affairs to Benchmark Strategies – including work in the Office of Governor Maura Healey, the Healey-Driscoll Campaign, and Boston City Hall.

As Senior Director of Public Affairs, Malaika will play a critical role in leading and supporting client engagements for government affairs, lobbying, and strategic communications.

Malaika joins Benchmark from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education (EOE), where she served as STEM Policy Director. In this capacity, she led the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council, directed the Commonwealth’s statewide STEM strategy, and managed the STEM Pipeline Fund.

Prior to her work at EOE, Malaika served as Legislative Affairs Liaison in the Office of Governor Maura Healey, where she managed the legislative portfolio for the Executive Offices of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, Public Safety and Security, MassDOT, MBTA, and Technology Services and Security – as well as for the Office of Climate Innovation & Resilience.

Malaika earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from Loyola University New Orleans and studied at École Supérieure du Commerce Extérieure in Paris, France. Malaika is the daughter of Haitian immigrants and was raised in Hingham, Massachusetts. She now resides in Boston, Massachusetts.

“Throughout my career in state government and on the campaign trail, I’ve focused on building strong relationships and delivering results that move policy forward,” said Lucien. “Benchmark’s reputation for thoughtful strategy and trusted counsel made joining this growing team an easy decision. I’m eager to support clients as they advance their priorities in Boston and across the Commonwealth.”

“Malaika brings an exceptional blend of policy expertise, political insight, and operational leadership,” said Patrick Bench, President of Benchmark Strategies. “Having helped shape policy in government, she understands not only how decisions are made, but how to turn them into results. Her experience and relationships will be invaluable to our clients, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Benchmark team.”

About Benchmark Strategies

Benchmark Strategies is a leading consulting firm with a focus on public affairs and strategic communications.

Our passionate, client-driven team brings decades of experience in politics, media, and public relations that translates into excellent results and propels clients to succeed across every sector.

Since its founding in 2014, Benchmark has partnered with clients across sectors — including Fortune 500 companies, technology innovators, nonprofits, trade associations, and real estate developers — to advance their priorities, shape narratives, and navigate complex policy landscapes. Learn more at www.benchmark-strategies.com.