Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey names Olga George as new press secretary

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey on Thursday appointed Olga George as his new press secretary.

George, of Squirrel Hill, previously worked as an assignment desk editor and producer at KDKA-TV and has more than three decades of journalism experience.

She will serve as Gainey’s primary spokeswoman and media liaison.

The mayor’s former spokeswoman, Maria Montaño, in January moved into the role of communications director. George will report to Montaño, according to the mayor’s office.

“I’m pleased to have Olga as part of my growing communications team to provide us with more opportunities to respond to residents,” Gainey said in a statement. “She brings a wealth of professional experience to the role, and I am certain that she will help us make Pittsburgh a city for all of us.”

George was born and raised on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She studied journalism and communications at Point Park University.

She serves as vice president of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, vice president of the Western Pennsylvania Press Club and a member of the National Association of Black Journalists. She serves on the board of directors for the Historic Fairview Park and volunteers with the New Horizon Theater.

“I hope my addition to the mayor’s communications team has a positive impact on the community and the people I work with and serve,” George said. “I look forward to getting to work and help making Pittsburgh the safest, most welcoming city in America.”

Her appointment is effective immediately. She will make $92,000 annually.