CHICAGO—Craig Pugh is joining Public Communications as president. He also joins the ownership team of the 53-year-old agency. Pugh brings 30 years of management and marketing experience to the agency, and returns to Chicago after several years leading two Florida cultural attractions. He comes to PCI from the Lowry Park Zoological Society in Tampa where he served the past five years as CEO and directed a staff of 350. He previously was executive director of Palm Beach Zoo.

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Purple Strategies has appointed Robert Fronk as managing director of reputation strategy. Fronk will help spearhead efforts to move public opinion and enhance corporate reputation. Prior to joining Purple Strategies, Fronk was executive vice president and global reputation practice leader at Harris Interactive, acquired by Nielsen, where he worked closely with companies, the public sector and non-governmental organizations.

NEW YORK— Turner Public Relations had added vice president of tourism Emma de Vadder, who most recently spent six years as regional director, North America with VisitEngland. Her previous experience includes NYC & Company (New York City’s tourism office), as well as agency work in both the US and UK. The firm has also added Caitlin Martz, who previously led communications for Canyons Resort in Park City, as senior account executive.

BRIDGEWATER, NJ—R&J Public Relations has added John De Bellis as director of business development. He joins R&J with more than 20 years of marketing and communications experience, having served as VP of external communications at JP Morgan Chase. Immediately prior to joining R&J, De Bellis managed his own business consulting firm in Warren, NJ.

NEW YORK—The Halo Group, a branding and marketing communications agency, has hired James Best as senior vice president, marketing and business development. Best was previously director of business development and marketing for TBWA/Chiat Day.