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| Debra Fazio-Rutt |
The New York Women’s Foundation names Debra Fazio-Rutt VP of strategic communications. Rutt joins the foundation from ViacomCBS, where she most recently served as VP of corporate communications for Paramount Network. Before joining ViacomCBS, she was manager of publicity for The History Channel and a senior account supervisor at Trylon Communications. In her new post, Rutt will be responsible for developing, incorporating and implementing a broad range of public relations, media relations, social and digital activities. “Debra has a demonstrated track record in driving strategic communications during times of growth and transformation,” said NYWF president and CEO Ana Oliveira. The foundation invests in women-led, community-based solutions that promote economic security, safety, and health for the most vulnerable women.
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| Colleen Lerro Gallagher |
OnWrd & UpWrd, which recently launched in Alexandria, VA, brings on Colleen Lerro Gallagher as a founding partner. Gallagher joins the agency from Curley Company, where she was a vice president. She was previously vice president of communications & research for the Global Business Travel Association, and has worked on the communications teams at the Biotechnology Industry Organization and the Consumer Technology Organization. Gallagher will work with OnWrd & UpWrd founder Meghan Henning to manage the firm and handle client service. “Colleen brings a wealth of experience in advocacy communications, media relations, digital media and video and podcast production,” said Henning.
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| Lori Rhodes |
Berns Communications Group appoints Lori Rhodes global director, effective April 9. At BCG, she will serve as the agency’s anchor in the Middle East, working with its Europe-based clients. Rhodes has been based in Dubai since 2015, and has most recently served as principal, head of luxury and retail, for Red Letter MENA/OneCMG. Prior to relocating to the Middle East, Rhodes served as partner and managing Director at Lividini & Co. in New York, and vice president, media relations and special events at Saks Fifth Avenue. “Lori’s expertise in brand development, digital content creation, and retail marketing and communications will be invaluable to us as we expand our international footprint,” said BCG president Stacy Berns.
Steve Rice, who served as director of political mobilization for Boeing, joins DC-based bipartisan public affairs and strategic communications firm The Herald Group as SVP, overseeing its grasstops and 50-state field operations. 
Qorvis has named Victor Shiblie senior advisor to boost its international network and global business opportunities.
Pierre DuBois has taken the VP-public affairs post at AIB Data Centers, developer of the digital infrastructure for AI hosting and high-performance computing workloads.
Allison Worldwide names Victoria Brophy EVP, head of corporate and technology in Europe. Brophy comes to the firm from Golin Ketchum London, where as EVP she built and led the London Corporate Affairs practice... 
Signal Group, a DC-based public affairs firm, hires Josie Feron as director. Feron was most recently communications director for the Office of Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC)... Moburst, a mobile-first digital agency driven by a proprietary AI program, appoints Etgar Shpivak as VP of marketing... Howard University hires Jasmine Gurley as senior director of public relations in the Office of University Communications.
