On the Move: Violet PR Names Picone Marketing Director

Anne Picone

Violet PR appoints Anne Picone as senior director of marketing. Picone was most recently senior director, corporate marketing at Marketsmith, Inc., where she oversaw all marketing activities, in addition to sourcing and evaluating new business opportunities, managing employee onboarding and leading philanthropic efforts. She was previously general manager / account supervisor at GráficaGroup. "Anne's marketing and sales expertise, plus her extensive network, are particularly valuable as we continue to grow our economic development and professional services practices across New Jersey, New York and nationally," said Violet PR president and founder April Mason.

Esther Morgenstern

Oaktree Solutions, a public affairs strategy firm, hires outgoing New York State Supreme Court Justice Esther “Micky” Morgenstern as managing director of its litigation support practice. Morgenstern’s retirement from the court is effective at the end of December. Morgenstern has served on the bench in New York City for 28 years. At Oaktree, she will be responsible for providing strategic advice to clients with complex legal situations. “Judge Morgenstern has an exemplary record of service to the people of New York, and she is a brilliant legal mind who has contributed greatly to combating wrongdoing, especially domestic violence, nationally,” said Oaktree Solutions founder and chairman Frank Carone.

Debbie McClung

The City of Des Moines names Debbie McClung chief communications officer. McClung was previously strategic communications bureau chief for the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Before that, she was strategic communications manager at Two Rivers Marketing. In her new post, McClung will lead an office that produces communications for the city’s leadership team and 17 departments, as well as directing its strategic communications efforts to keep residents and others informed about city services, community initiatives and opportunities for public engagement. “Debbie brings a wealth of experience that will bolster the city’s commitment to keeping our residents informed and connected to municipal services,” assistant city manager Jen Schulte said in a statement.