SEATTLE—Michael Ann Thomas, who previously led the health technology offering at Edelman, has joined APCO Worldwide as technology practice chair for North America. Thomas is responsible for all technology practice strategy and execution for North America.

NEW YORK—DeVries Global has promoted Jessica O’Callaghan to regional managing director, North America, a new role. O’Callaghan, who most recently served as executive vice president overseeing operations and growth of DeVries Global’s New York office, has been a key member of the firm’s global leadership team since 2012.

ATLANTA—Trevelino/Keller has expanded its digital offer with the appointment of Ron Medlin as director of digital marketing. Previously, Medlin owned his own digital marketing agency and worked for companies including Zapporoo and 98toGo. T/K’s expanded digital capabilities emphasize demand generation, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, organic content, pay-per-click, paid social and earned social impressions.


WASHINGTON, DC—Dr. James Thurber, distinguished professor of government and founder and director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University, has joined APCO Worldwide's international advisory council. Thurber has been a faculty member at American University since 1974, and founded the university’s Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies in 1979.

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ—Taft Communications, formerly known as Taft & Partners, has named Sheila Cort as director and Alanna Jamieson as communications manager. Cort's past experience includes serving as vice president of corporate communications and corporate spokesperson for Jackson Hewitt and vice president of consulting for DiversityInc, as well a stint at Burson-Marsteller. Jamieson spent five years in corporate communications and commercial operations roles at Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis.