On the Move: G&S Business Communications Names Niessen CFO

Seth Niessen

G&S Business Communications names Seth Niessen chief financial officer, effective immediately. Niessen, a 21-year agency veteran and G&S shareholder since 2012, was previously the agency’s controller. A licensed CPA, he has established, and actively manages, internal financial controls for the agency including budgeting and forecasting. “He is a trusted source of counsel, financial and otherwise, to the agency’s leadership team, department heads, account leads, and clients,” said G&S president and CEO Luke Lambert. “But, just as importantly, Seth inspires many of us with his genuine care for his G&S colleagues as professionals and individuals.”

Jason Knox

Paul Werth Associates names Jason Knox VP of federal and state public affairs. Knox spent more than a decade on the central Ohio team of U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, most recently serving as Central Ohio district director. In his new post, he will help the firm’s clients navigate the complexities of both the Ohio Statehouse and U.S. Congress. “His work with Sen. Portman gives him a special insight into the needs and priorities of businesses in Ohio,” said Werth CEO Sandra Harbrecht Ratchford. “His reputation for integrity and his skill in building relationships are assets that can benefit any client.”

Heather Rice

Lambert brings on Heather Rice as director, market research. Rice has worked in various academic capacities, including researcher, professor, advisor and leader at Washington University in St. Louis. Most recently, she led several special projects as an Office of the Provost Faculty Fellow supporting teaching, research and practice faculty. At Lambert, she will head up the agency’s market research team, leading and supporting quantitative and qualitative research studies, and developing customized training programs for clients across diverse industries and geographies. “Heather’s breadth and depth of experience, from study design to statistical analysis to insights and reporting, will be invaluable as we expand our market research division,” said Lambert managing director of market research Laura Vandiver.

Christina Forrest

Violet PR promotes Christina Forrest to VP. Forrest has been with the agency since 2014, most recently serving as account director. Before coming to Violet PR, she was public relations coordinator at Litzky Public Relations and social media coordinator at Move For Hunger. As vice president, Forrest will focus on leading the firm’s team and identifying growth areas, while continuing to oversee media relations, social media and content development campaigns. “Not only has she successfully implemented award-winning media relations and social media campaigns for clients, but she’s helped attract and manage our growing team of young PR professionals,” said Violet PR president April Mason.