Mayor Rick Blangiardi has hired Andy Sugg as his new chief of staff, filling the hole left in January when former chief of staff Sam Moku became the city’s homelessness coordinator.

Sugg comes from a long career in television news that spans from Hawaii to Boston.

“As Chief of Staff, he will play a pivotal role in advancing the Mayor’s vision for the city and ensuring effective governance,” according to a press release issued Wednesday. “His background in media and his familiarity with the intricacies of city affairs make him well-suited to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Sugg was most recently managing editor of NBC Boston, a role he started in 2017. Before that, he worked with Blangiardi at Hawaii News Now, where he was executive producer from 2013 to 2016.

“As a trusted former colleague, I can say without any reservation that Andy’s extensive experience and profound understanding of our communities are invaluable,” Blangiardi said in the press release.

This is the latest in a series of government appointments and vacancies. 

Moku was put in charge of homelessness services for Honolulu in January. He replaced Rep. Trish La Chica, who held the position in 2022 and was later appointed by Governor Josh Green to fill an empty House seat in early 2023.

La Chica replaced former Rep. Ryan Yamane, who was tapped for deputy director of the state Department of Human Resources Development soon after Green became governor in late 2022. 

Sugg’s first official day of work was Thursday.