Porter Novelli, which is searching for a new CEO, has brought in veteran agency pro Rich Jernstedt as a part-time senior counselor in Chicago to focus on new business and counsel clients.

Jernstedt was CEO and chairman at GolinHarris in 26 years at the firm and later a senior partner at Fleishman-Hillard, where he has been a consultant during the past year through his firm, The Jernstedt Company.

Acting PN CEO Michael Ramah said Jernstedt will bring “strategic depth, a significant understanding of our business and a real record of leadership” to the firm’s Chicago operation.

Ramah took the reins last month with the resignation of CEO Gary Stockman at PN, which has seen other high-level departures this year.

Jernstedt noted PN’s “commitment to transformation” and said he looks forward to contribute to that effort.