Just a few months ago, reporters were calling Steve Sugerman. In his new job, he’ll be calling them.

Sugerman, former communications deputy to Mayor Richard Riordan, was recently hired as a senior vice president in the Los Angeles public affairs group of Fleishman-Hillard Inc. International Communications.

Sugerman says he was hired by Fleishman-Hillard because of his ability to handle the media, as well as the other knowledge he gained during his more than three years in the mayor’s office.

“I think, overall, I’m bringing 10 years of experience in public affairs in Los Angeles and in the state,” Sugerman said. “The last three years with the Riordan administration gave me a unique view of Los Angeles in terms of politics, community relations, business relations, the economy and the underpinnings of our economy.”

Sugerman said one of the most educational experiences during his time on Riordan’s staff was a 1995 trip he took with the mayor to Asia.

“I got a sense of what it means (for L.A.) to be the gateway to the Pacific Rim,” he said.

Prior to his stint in the mayor’s office, Sugerman spent almost seven years at the Hill and Knowlton Inc. P.R. agency, moving up the ranks from assistant account executive to vice president before he joined Riordan in April 1994.

Sugerman who grew up in North Hollywood and is a fifth-generation Angeleno on his mother’s side received his bachelor’s degree in U.S. history and political science from the University of Michigan, and was a fellow with the prestigious Coro Foundation after college.

At Fleishman-Hillard, Sugerman’s clients will include Pacific Bell, America On-Line, United Airlines and Kaiser Permanente. In addition to press and community relations, Sugerman also will help those and other companies plan their philanthropic efforts.

Sugerman said he is looking forward to working with Michael Waxman, son of U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman, who also was recently hired by Fleishman-Hillard, as well as former White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta, who recently joined the firm’s board of advisors.

“He brings a lot of stature to the firm,” Sugerman said.

The one thing Sugerman cannot do because of ethics laws concerning previous city employees is lobby at City Hall on behalf of his clients at least for the time being.

“I’m not going to be lobbying anyway,” Sugerman said. “But if I were to, I can’t lobby for a year any department in the city.”

Daniel Taub