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| Keenan Austin Reed |
The Alpine Group, which is part of Public Policy Holding Co., promotes Keenan Austin Reed to CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Reed succeeds Les Spivey, who has served as the firm’s CEO and managing principal for over five years and will transition to a new role as president. Reed has been with the Alpine Group since 2021, most recently serving as a principal. Before joining the firm, she was chief of staff to former Congressman Donald McEachin (D-VA), leading McEachin’s work as the Whip of the Congressional Black Caucus. "Keenan is a dynamic and visionary leader who understands the intricacies of policymaking and the importance of building relationships on both sides of the aisle,” said Spivey. Stewart Hall, CEO of Alpine’s parent company, PPHC, added, “Keenan’s appointment as CEO marks a pivotal moment for the Alpine Group and PPHC. She has deep expertise, unerring strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to client service.”
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| Hillary Frei |
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, an 80-year-old brand with more than 140 locations, names Hillary Frei CMO. Frei joins the company from Wetzel’s Pretzels, where she was head of marketing. Before that, she led e-commerce for FAO Schwarz as general manager and was CMO at Big Chill Appliances, a digitally native appliance company. “Hillary has been able to modernize and drive growth on several legacy brands while stewarding quality and honoring tradition. She is a world-class marketer and unwavering brand steward,” said Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream CEO Jennifer Schuler. Handel’s has also brought on former Papa John’s International director, North America franchise development Erin Snyder as VP, franchise development.
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| Nicholas Ortiz |
Tejon Ranch Co., a real estate development and agribusiness company, names Nicholas Ortiz as SVP, corporate communications and public affairs. Ortiz was most recently VP of small business advocacy for the California Chamber of Commerce. Before that he was president & CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. At Tejon Ranch, Ortiz will oversee the company’s communications, brand image, government affairs and key stakeholder engagement activities. He will also coordinate with the company’s investor relations team. “We’ve seen first-hand his acumen at developing strategies to inform and engage key audiences,” said Tejon Ranch Co. president and CEO Gregory Bielli.
Ballard Partners names former Burson managing director Mike Waterman as MD. Waterman comes to Ballard from ROKK Solutions... The Herald Group brings on Trace Scruggs and Evan Lukaske as VPs... Travelier, which operates platforms for booking intercity transportation services via buses, trains and ferries in 124 countries, appoints Mario Gavira as CMO. 
Raffetto Herman Strategic Communications brings on Jessica Gail, who served as director of communications for Rep. Eric Swalwell, as senior media lead... Prime Therapeutics appoints Katie Payne as chief external affairs officer, a newly created role. She was previously a senior director at APCO... Thunderly promotes Jason Weaver to director of paid media. 
Ruder Finn hires Brent Mullins as SVP, talent and partnerships. Mullins joins the agency from 160over90, where he was VP, entertainment marketing... Allison Worldwide names Katie Huang Shin global president, technology, effective Nov. 14... Vasion, which provides serverless printing and AI-enabled automation, appoints Cindy White as CMO. 
Mod Op brings on John Powers and Alan Kipust as part of its Executive in Residence program, which already includes former Dun & Bradstreet chief data officer Monica Richter... Takeda Pharmaceuticals hires James-Denton Wyllie as head of R&D and external innovation communications... Veeam Software, which specializes in data resilience solutions, appoints Allison Cerra as CMO.
The Dallas Mavericks bring on Gina Miller as chief communications officer, a newly created role. She was previously with Major League Soccer team FC Dallas... Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit organization that advances arts advocacy, names Jamey Lundblad as CMO... Ambac Financial Group, an insurance holding company, names Karen Beyer managing director, head of investor relations.
