Bill de Blasio on June 12, 2014.

Bill de Blasio on June 12, 2014. Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday announced a new director of agency communications with experience in crisis and nonprofit public relations.

The appointment last month of Andrea Hagelgans to coordinate communications across city agencies came about five months into de Blasio's tenure, which began with a rocky start in press relations.

As a vice president at Manhattan-based Camino Public Relations, Hagelgans developed Planned Parenthood Federation of America's response to a 2012 decision by the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure to withdraw funding. Her government experience includes working as deputy press secretary for the New York City Campaign Finance Board in 2005.

Hagelgans in a statement commended de Blasio's "clear, progressive vision."

The mayor's first months in office featured some points of tension with the press, most notably when he walked out of a City Hall news conference in February and ignored questions about a call he made to a high-ranking NYPD official about the arrest of a supporter, Bishop Orlando Findlayter.

A Newsday/Siena College survey looks at the availability of affordable housing on Long Island and the cost of living compared to other places. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports. Credit: Newsday/James Carbone; Andrew Ehinger; File Footage; Photo Credit: Anthony Perrone

'Parents' basement is good, but not permanent' A Newsday/Siena College survey looks at the availability of affordable housing on Long Island and the cost of living compared to other places. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

A Newsday/Siena College survey looks at the availability of affordable housing on Long Island and the cost of living compared to other places. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports. Credit: Newsday/James Carbone; Andrew Ehinger; File Footage; Photo Credit: Anthony Perrone

'Parents' basement is good, but not permanent' A Newsday/Siena College survey looks at the availability of affordable housing on Long Island and the cost of living compared to other places. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME