BETHESDA, MD—Lockheed Martin Corporation has appointed Gordon Johndroe as vice president of media relations and international communications, reporting to Jennifer Whitlow, vice president, corporate communications. He will serve as chief spokesperson for the corporation and counsel senior leaders on media engagements. He most recently served as a vice president at APCO Worldwide, and earlier served as spokesman for the National Security Council and White House deputy press secretary.

WASHINGTON, DC—Kate Bedingfield has been elevated to vice president, corporate communications, at the Motion Picture Association of America. She will report to by executive vice president for global communications Laura Nichols and serve as the association’s chief spokesperson. In addition, Howard Gantman will assume a new role as vice president, global strategic communications, focused on global message coordination and communication strategies, and TJ Ducklo has been promoted to deputy director, corporate communications.

MANSFIELD, MA—Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products, has appointed Jacqueline Strayer as senior vice president, corporate communications, reporting to Jose Almeida, chairman, president and CEO and responsible for internal and external communications initiatives worldwide, including corporate marketing, public relations, media relations, financial communications, crisis communications, issues management, philanthropy and the company's digital presence. She joins Covidien from Johnson Controls where she served as vice president, corporate communications.

WASHINGTON, DC—The Grocery Manufacturers Association has added two new directors to the association’s federal affairs staff. Nancy Kohler joins GMA from the Corn Refiners Association, where she was assistant director for policy and operations for six years. David Prestwood most recently served as senior policy advisor to Senator Patty Murray (Wash). Both Kohler and Prestwood will report to Mike Gruber, vice president for federal affairs.

NEW YORK—Horizon Media, a leading independent media services agency, has hired Kaya Lobaczewski, as vice president of corporate communications. Lobaczewski will lead all internal and external communications to strengthen Horizon Media's reputation for thought leadership, innovation and client service. She joins Horizon Media from DDB, where she was associate director of communications for its US offices.