The New York Road Runners, the 55-year-old group that runs the New York Marathon and endured a backlash last year during Hurricane Sandy, has brought in Chris Weiller from the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in a top PR role.
Richard Finn, the group's longtime director of media relations, left in April.
The Road Runners organization was criticized last fall as it attempted to stage its flagship race in the Big Apple amid the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. The New York Times reported in March that in addition to the Sandy PR crisis, the group also faces a test of relevancy amid competition from rival races and runners put off by its entry system.
CEO Mary Wittenberg said Weiller, in a new VP post, will guide media and public relations for the group, its brand initiatives and events.
"Chris understands the power of the intersection of sports, culture, and making a positive difference in communities," she said.
He previously led sports marketing for the U.S. arm of UNICEF. He previously guided marketing and communications for the NBA and its Charlotte Bobcats and New York Knicks franchises.
The ING New York City Marathon is set for Nov. 3, 2013.
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