Renowned Strategic Communicator Brings New York Depth and National Advisory Expertise
New York — Avoq today announced that Andrea Hagelgans, a widely renowned communications leader with New York depth and national issue experience, has joined the firm’s Strategic Communications team; she will serve as Senior Vice President based in the New York City office. Hagelgans will focus on advising Avoq’s premier clients nationally in both the private and public sectors, specializing in crisis communications, strategic communications and issue advocacy.
Hagelgans previously served as Managing Director of U.S. Social Issues Engagement at Edelman. There, she advised CEOs and the full C-Suite of Fortune 100 companies on navigating complex social and political issues impacting stakeholders and the workforce, as well as understanding and responding to activism. Prior to that role, Hagelgans served as Head of Corporate Reputation for the New York region and Managing Director, New York Corporate and Public Affairs at Edelman. She has extensive experience in crisis communications across corporate, government and non-profit clients and a track record of successfully winning and growing business across sectors.
“Andrea’s communications expertise and deep understanding of the reputational imperatives facing the C-Suite and companies today adds exceptional talent to our team and enhances our strategic advantage in advising clients nationally and in New York,” said Avoq CEO Nicole Cornish.
Hagelgans has deep roots in New York City and the region. From 2014 – 2018, Hagelgans served as Communications Director for Mayor Bill de Blasio, and then Senior Advisor for Strategic Planning, making her the highest ranking communications official to the former mayor. During de Blasio’s first term, she worked on signature mayoral issues, including the implementation of Universal Pre-K (UPK), affordable housing, and the creation of NYC paid parental leave policies. Mayor Eric Adams appointed her to the NYC Commission on Gender Equity, and for the past four years she has been named to Political PR Power 50 by City and State.
In addition to her work at Edelman and the de Blasio administration, Hagelgans is a published author whose works have appeared in Fortune and Harvard Business Review, and she has guest lectured on crisis communications at Princeton University. She is the Board Chair of Rewire News Group, a nonprofit media organization focused on sexual and reproductive health topics.
“I am passionate about working at the intersection of communications and advocacy; the team at Avoq understands these issues, and the importance of communicating effectively around them in the coming months and years,” Hagelgans said. “Companies and organizations need thought partners to analyze the complex business landscape and to work with them to strengthen and advance their reputation. I’m excited to utilize my communications and policy background in support of Avoq’s clients nationally and in NYC.”
This latest senior hire follows the launch of the merged and rebranded company, positioning Avoq as a top national advocacy and communications firm.
About Avoq
Avoq is an integrated firm that combines communications and advocacy to creatively shape narratives, manage brand reputation, influence national debates, and engage the audiences you need to reach. Avoq’s 200+ employees work from offices in Washington D.C., Chicago, New York, New Jersey and Miami. Avoq is a portfolio company of Coral Tree Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on investments in the media, entertainment and communications sectors.
