Estee Lauder corporate communications VP joins Michelle Obama's staff

WASHINGTON, June 24 (UPI) -- Maria Cristina Gonzalez Noguera joins the Obama administration as communications director for U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, the White House said Monday.

Gonzalez, who begins her work in the East Wing in July, replaces Kristina Schake, who is leaving for a position in the private sector, the White House said in a release.

Gonzalez currently is global vice president, corporate communications, for Estee Lauder Cos. Inc. She is a native San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a graduate of Tufts University.