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| Stephanie Waties |
APCO brings on Stephanie Waties as senior director/SVP, corporate reputation and public affairs. Waties formerly spent eight years at APCO, where she led issue and crisis response efforts, playing a key role in securing and maintaining long-term client relationships. She was most recently an SVP at LSG, where she focused on state and sector-based advocacy initiatives. Based in Washington, DC, Waties will play an integral role in strengthening collaboration between APCO’s corporate reputation and public affairs teams and identifying new growth opportunities for the firm. “Her ability to translate complex policy into actionable strategy makes her a vital partner for organizations navigating regulatory and reputational challenges,” said APCO North America President Kelly Williamson.
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| Lisa Kauffman |
Azamara Cruises, a small-ship cruise line, names Lisa Kauffman as CMO. Kauffman was previously chief marketing and experience officer at Starboard Group. She has also held executive marketing roles at Perry Ellis International, Celebrity Cruises, Macy’s Florida and The Walt Disney Company. In her new role, Kauffman will oversee marketing and communications, including e-commerce, product, trade, brand, social engagement, media, public relations, guest loyalty and internal communications. “Lisa’s extensive expertise in strategic marketing and travel perfectly complements our mission to create immersive, culturally rich experiences that forge deeper, more meaningful connections between our guests and the destinations we visit,” said Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler.
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| Tracy Stockard |
Big Blue Swim School, a swim school franchise that operates across 17 states, hires Tracy Stockard as CMO. Stockard was most recently CMO at restaurant chain Steak n Shake. She has also served as senior director, US marketing at McDonald’s and held strategy and planning positions at ad agencies TracyLocke and Leo Burnett. At Big Blue, Stockard will oversee all facets of marketing, brand strategy and communications, with a focus on expanding brand awareness, deepening customer loyalty and collaborating with franchise owners. “Her ability to lead high-performing teams and craft campaigns that connect deeply with consumers will be invaluable as we continue to grow our national presence,” said Big Blue Swim School CEO Brandon Bean.
DGA Group has added Hilton alum Jonas Neihardt as a senior advisor to bolster its hospitality, travel and tourism offering.
Ed Harnaga, who most recently served as SVP, chief marketing and communications officer at Pfizer, joins Vantage Data Centers, which provides hyperscale data center campuses, in the chief marketing and communications officer spot.
Lucas Public Affairs, a Sacramento-based firm, adds Sallie Poggi, who has worked at both FleishmanHillard and APCO, as a VP. Most recently, Poggi was chief communications officer at the University of the Pacific... Allied Universal, a security and facility services company, brings on Melissa Butler as VP of communications. She was at Burson... Talk Shop Media, a firm that operates in Canada and the U.S., specializing in PR, corporate communications and social media, promotes Stuart Martin to managing director of its U.S West Coast operations.
The Estée Lauder Companies names Madeleine Boyd SVP, global brand communications. Most recently, she served as global SVP, beauty & wellness at Together Group... Cohen & Steers, a global investment manager specializing in real assets and alternative income, names Erik Schneberger as EVP, chief marketing officer... CooperVision, a contact lens company, brings on former Bayer VP Brenda Raphael as VO of marketing, Americas.
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.
