Phil Walzak is now a senior adviser to Mayor Bill de Blasio. Photo Courtesy of Rob Bennett/Mayoral Photography Office.
Mayor Bill de Blasio last Friday announced changes in the senior leadership of his administration.
Press Secretary Phil Walzak will move to the position of senior advisor for Strategic Planning, replacing Peter Ragone, who has resigned his post.
De Blasio also announced that Andrea Hagelgans has been named communications director for the Office of the Mayor. Hagelgans is currently the director of Agency Communications, where she oversees the public affairs communications strategies between the Mayor’s office and all the agencies in the administration.
“I want to thank Mayor de Blasio for the privilege of serving the people of New York City, and I’m proud of the administration’s unshakeable commitment to improving their lives,” Ragone said. “I have always believed that there is nobility in public service, and this year proved that to me a hundred times over, New York is a singular place on earth and every day has been a great honor.”
Walzak, who served as communications director of de Blasio’s mayoral campaign in 2013, said, “Serving the people of New York City over the past year has been a profound and distinct honor, and I want to thank the Mayor for the privilege. I am excited by the opportunity to build on the achievements of this administration to lift up more New Yorkers.”
Hagelgans added, “I’m very honored to accept the role of communications director in the de Blasio administration,” said Andrea Hagelgans. “I look forward to my new role communicating the mayor’s commitment to an agenda that uplifts our city.”
By Forum Staff
