 Alan Dunton |
Shift Communications has hired Alan Dunton as its San Francisco managing director. Dunton joins Shift from Grayling, where he was responsible for driving business development, team growth and day-to-day operations for its San Francisco office. Prior to Grayling, he was a partner at digital entertainment agency TriplePoint. Dunton will spearhead client service, business development and office management efforts for Shift’s West Coast operation, working directly with account teams to support and bolster the agency’s data-driven approach. While focusing his immediate efforts on building the client portfolio in San Francisco, he also be working in collaboration with SHIFT's offices in Boston, New York and Austin, as well as across the broader Avenir Global network, which includes National Public Relations, Axon Communications and Madano.
 A.J. Hernandez |
The Pollack PR Marketing Group has named A.J. Hernandez digital practice lead. Hernandez previously ran organizational-wide initiatives in digital communications at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. He also served as marketing strategist for DP Technology, makers of ESPRIT CAM software. He will be located in the agency’s Los Angeles office and will lead a team of professionals in the agency’s Digital Practice Group, known as LAB186, in both, the LA and NY offices.
 Mary Beth Wressell |
Windstar Cruises has hired Mary Beth Wressell as vice president of marketing and public relations. Wressell comes to Windstar after spending 13 years at Holland America Line, most recently as vice president, marketing and communications. Before that she was at luxury travel network Virtuoso, where she served as director of creative services. At Windstar, Wressell is tasked with developing the line's brand communications, consumer relationship marketing initiatives, digital marketing and all PR activities.
 Kate Wark |
Impact PR & Communications has appointed Kate Wark as executive vice president. Wark comes to Impact from Hemsworth Communications, where she served as managing director. She has also held executive positions at Quinn, Mower and Carolyn Izzo Integrated Communications. Wark has driven PR campaigns for such brands as Coney Island Brewing Company, Rosewood Bermuda, Capella Hotels and Resorts, The Roundhouse Beacon, and more. At Impact, she will work to drive account management, strategy and agency development.
Edelman names United Entertainment Group CEO Jarrod Moses as vice chairman. Moses will continue in his role at UEG... Burson brings on Matthew Wagner, who was most recently global client relationship manager and energy sector lead at Edelman, as EVP and global client leader... The Key PR appoints Jodi Maroney as principal. Maroney joins the agency after a 25-year run at Access Brand Communications.
Jeffrey Rosen, senior chair of the corporate department at legal firm Debevoise & Plimpton, joins FGS Global, where he will serve as senior advisor.
HUNTER brings on Lori Ruggiero as managing director of its corporate communications practice... Covo Intelligence, an independent research and intelligence firm, names Tony Cheevers director of strategic growth... MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) hires Brian Swarth as SVP of marketing, effective July 20. 
Whit Clay, who exited the Co-CEO slot at Sloane & Co. 18 months ago to head Longacre Square Partners’ New York office, has been promoted to serve as the first CEO of the financial communication shop.
Global Strategy Group names Claudio Taratuta as an EVP of the L@B, its in-house creative and media agency. Taratuta joins GSG from Praytell, where he was a founding team member... ROKK Solutions appoints Kris Havens as EVP of intel and insights. Havens was most recently a partner at Penta Group... Cliff House Maine brings on William Courtney Lowe as chief business development and brand strategist. Lowe joins Cliff House Maine from Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod, where he was VP of marketing & business development. 
