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| Kelly Skoloda |
Independence Health System appoints Kelley Skoloda as chief marketing and communications officer. Skoloda was most recently founder and CEO of her own company, KS Consulting & Capital. She was previously a partner/director of global brand marketing for Ketchum. In her new role, Skoloda will oversee all marketing, branding, and communication efforts. “Her deep expertise in marketing and communications, combined with her innovative approach, will help us further our mission to provide expert care in the communities we serve,” said Independence Health System CEO Ken DeFurio.
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| (L-R) Zack Kozlak, Kelly Wallace |
TrailRunner International names New York-based managing director Zack Kozlak head of the US. He has been with the agency since 2016, and was previously a client executive at Burson-Marsteller. Kelly Wallace, who was most recently chief operating officer at the agency, will now serve as chief media/brand officer. She will lead the firm’s work training C-suite executives for high-stakes media interviews and presentations while retaining responsibility for the firm’s branding and communications. Before joining TrailRunner, she spent five years at CNN as an editor-at-large.
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| Katy Rodriguez |
Drumfire Public Affairs, a D.C.-based firm, promotes Katy Rodriguez to SVP and chief of staff. Rodriguez has been with the firm since 2016, most recently serving as VP. She has been the primary point of contact for many of the firm’s clients and key strategic partners. Before coming to Drumfire, she was a senior counselor at Dezenhall Resources and public relations director for the Statistical Assessment Service at George Mason University, a non-profit organization dedicated to correcting scientific misinformation in the media. “Katy's unique contributions and professional growth over the years have made this promotion a natural next step in recognizing her critical role in the firm’s current and future success,” said Drumfire founder and CEO Aaron Saunders.
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| Todd Lauer |
Guitar Center, a retailer of musical instruments, names Todd Lauer SVP of brand marketing and creative. Lauer comes to Guitar Center from financial planning company Empower, where he served as head of creative. He previously held the head of creative post at Lending Tree. In his new role, Lauer will lead the company's marketing campaigns, visual merchandising, creative content, marketing research, organic social and public relations. "Todd's expertise and passion for creative storytelling will play a critical role in deepening our connection with customers and driving our brand forward in innovative and meaningful ways," said Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto.
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.
