On the Move: DCI Group Names Faña for Strategic Alliance Unit

Carissa Fana

DCI Group, a DC-based public affairs firm, hires Carissa Faña as a managing director in its strategic alliance practice. Faña comes to DCI from legal firm Becker and Poliakoff, where she was a government relations consultant. Before that, she was at financial technology platform Intuit, managing external relations with policymakers, key stakeholders, and a broad coalition of national Latino and multicultural third-party organizations. At DCI, Faña will provide expertise in the areas of coalition building, third-party outreach, stakeholder engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Our best-in-class Strategic Alliances practice is already a differentiator for DCI Group,” said DCO Group managing partner Justin Peterson. “Addding Carissa will add to that offering, making us even better.”

Radina Russell

Edelman promotes Radina Russell, who joined the firm last summer to lead its Atlanta office and serve as a managing director for Edelman Smithfield, its financial communications boutique, to US corporate practice chair. Russell will oversee an integrated US operation that spans approximately 400 employees across corporate reputation and key specialty areas employee experience, and social issues & sustainability. She reports to Edelman US CEO Lisa Osborne Ross. “Radina has quickly proven herself to be a sought-after C-suite counselor, combining a deep expertise in the inner workings of the boardroom with a commitment to and passion for the issues executives are facing,” said Ross. 

Laura Forester

Luquire appoints Laura Forester as director of strategy. Forester was most recently SVP and director of strategy at Chemistry Agency, working with such clients as Apple, Siemens Energy, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Coca-Cola Company, Netflix and the NFL. She was previously a senior social and public relations strategist at food-and-beverage-focused Smiths Agency, and held strategic marketing roles at MARC USA and Edelman. “While Laura’s background is impressive, and her work speaks for itself, it is her empathetic, people-first mindset that we believe will make her an invaluable asset to Luquire and our clients,” said Luquire CEO Brooks Luquire. “Laura’s work as a human-centered design advocate seamlessly aligns with our agency’s strategic approach to helping clients win by using data and insights to unlock opportunities, drive innovation and achieve their most ambitious goals.”

Stephen Cheliotis

Gravity Global, which is backed by private equity firm Elysian Capital, names Stephen Cheliotis global brand insights director, a newly created role at the agency. Cheliotis previously was chief executive at The Center for Brand Analysis and currently serves as chair of Superbrands UK and the CoolBrands Council. Based in Gravity Global’s London office, he will work with teams from Gravity’s 15 offices worldwide to advance the growth framework—called F.A.B. (Fame. Admiration. Belief.)—that the agency has employed for such brands as NVIDIA, AkzoNobel, Embraer and GE. “Stephen increases the depth of strategy we can deliver for our clients globally,” said Gravity Global chairman Mark Lethbridge.