Cuomo's new communications director worked for NBC

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has chosen a public relations expert steeped in network television to be his new communications director.

Allison Gollust will succeed Cuomo’s longtime communications director, Richard Bamberger. He’s leaving to take a job in the private sector. Earlier in Cuomo’s first term, chief of staff Steven Cohen also left for a private sector job. Both departures were on friendly terms.

Gollust has worked in public relations for NBC, including NBC News, MSNBC, “Dateline,” “Meet the Press,” and the “Today” show. She was the sole spokeswoman for anchors Katie Couric and Matt Lauer.

Bamberger leaves the job after serving in the role for Cuomo as governor and when he was attorney general.

Cuomo faces re-election 2014 and supporters say he should consider a 2016 run for president.