People on the Move at Booz Allen, W2O, Allison+Partners, Perry Comms. and Lane

Booz Allen Hamilton upped Mara Motherway to head of government relations. She served as business development executive for BAH's military intelligence business. Before joining the firm, Motherway led business development and strategy at BAE Systems. In her new position, she is responsible for strengthening BAH’s relationships across the federal government and providing input on public policy issues. A retired U.S. Naval officer and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Motherway brings nearly 25 years of government and private sector experience to her new role.

W2O Group, in partnership with The LAGRANT Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the fields of advertising, marketing and public relations, has placed four communications professionals in the firm’s offices across the country. Zahara Fisher will work in W2O’s Chicago office as a full-time account associate, supporting healthcare clients and assisting with analysis and digital intelligence efforts. Jenna Aguilera has been brought on at TwIst Mktg as a public relations fellow in its New York location. Karen Kyi and Perla Serrano have been added to the staff of W2O’s San Francisco outpost as account interns.

Allison+Partners promoted Lisa Schmidtke from senior vice president to general manager of the agency’s Phoenix office. Schmidtke currently handles communications initiatives for such clients as UPMC Enterprises, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Partnership with Native Americans, as well as acting as one of the leads for the agency’s healthcare practice. In her new role, she's responsible for business operations and growth, cultivating and managing a diverse group of talent and overseeing a portfolio of clients. The shop also promoted three team members from its New York and San Francisco offices. Sherri Poall is promoted to executive vice president, and Melissa Muskett and Marcus Gamo rise to senior vice presidents.

Perry Communications Group hired Savannah Hadley as account coordinator and Fern Baum as executive assistant. Hadley, a 2016 graduate of UC-Davis, assists with accounts, coordinates special events, develops social media content, conducts media monitoring and helps create content for client projects. Baum, who previously worked as a script analyst and story editor in the film industry, will utilize those skills to help tell PCG clients’ stories. She will also provide executive, operational and account support.

LANE recruited Ashlee Simpson and Ben Touger in its New York office and Megan Moran and Stephanie Celenza in Portland. Celenza joined the firm as an associate vice president. Prior to joining LANE, she worked for New York City firms Alison Brod Marketing + Communications and LaForce. Simpson is a senior account executive. She previously worked at Olson and SutherlandGold Group. An assistant account executive, Touger joins LANE after working as a PR specialist at Panasonic and brand communications assistant at PMK BNC. Moran joined the firm as assistant account executive from the National Psoriasis Foundation.