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| Michelle Russo |
State Farm names U.S. Chamber of Commerce chief communications and marketing officer Michelle Russo as CCO, a newly created role. At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Russo led efforts across brand, media, digital and thought leadership. Before that, she was head of global communications at Discovery, leading crisis response during pivotal global events, as well as overseeing communications and public affairs strategy for the company’s entry into the Olympic Games. At State Farm, Russo will lead the communications strategy, integrating corporate, brand, internal and agency communications to support the strategic priorities and cultural evolution of the company. “Michelle’s leadership will help us communicate with greater clarity, purpose and impact,” said State Farm CEO Jon Farney.
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| Spencer Tait |
Avenue Z brings on former Prosek Partners associate VP Spencer Tait as an associate director in its New York office. Tait was most recently at IT services and consulting firm FIS, where he built strategies for capital markets and led international campaign strategies. At Prosek, he worked with private equity, private credit, traditional asset management and fintech firms. In his new post, he will help to lead PR strategies for Avenue Z’s fintech and finance clients. "Spencer’s track record in financial services and fintech speaks for itself. As we scale our impact across this sector, his strategic insight and media instincts will help our clients define the conversation,” said Avenue Z New York VP and managing director Libbie Wilcox.
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| Melissa Fry |
Twin Peaks Hospitality Group, parent company of the Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones restaurant chains, hires Melissa Fry as CMO. Fry most recently served as senior director of marketing for Hooters of America, where she spearheaded comprehensive marketing initiatives spanning national media campaigns, digital transformation, influencer partnerships, targeted local store marketing and experiential activations. She was previously manager of events, promotions & VIP marketing at Harrah’s Resort Southern California. In her new role, Fry work to amplify the Twin Hospitality’s brand awareness, enhance guest engagement and drive measurable growth across its marketing portfolio. “Melissa brings unparalleled experience in experiential dining,” said Twin Hospitality Group CEO Kim Boerema.
Actum has hired Cecelia Prewett, who was president of DC Public Affairs at SKDK during a nearly 13-year run, as senior managing director in its Washington office.
Franz Paasche, who was most recently EVP for public affairs and communications at Columbia University, will join Verizon as EVP, corporate affairs, effective Nov. 10.
Horizon Family Brands, which includes Horizon Organic and Wallaby Organic yogurt, hires Andrew Springate as CMO... Wake Tech, a Raleigh, NC community college that serves over 70000 adults annually, brings on Lisa Marie Ferrell, who previously led North America communications at Lenovo, as VP of communications and marketing... Golin brings on executive creative director Meg Farquhar in Chicago, and EVPs of strategy Tom Howells (Western Region) and Martin Coomber (New York).
Hotwire Global appoints Burson global chief digital & intelligence officer Grant Toups as global CEO, effective in January.
Bader Rutter, which works with clients in the agriculture, food, beverage and pet care sectors, appoints Demar Anderson as CMO... Acceleration Community of Companies appoints Michael Moschella to lead its new insights division, ACC Intelligence... Luminate, a London-based shop focused on infrastructure and energy sectors, hires Osman Dervish as director—head of development... The Alpine Group promotes Alison Graab to principal from SVP.
