SEATTLE—APCO Worldwide’s Seattle office is strengthening its stakeholder engagement expertise with the addition of Rachel Bianchi as a senior associate. Prior to joining APCO, she was a partner in Bianchi/Hatley, a Seattle-based lobbying and public affairs firm that specializes in helping businesses, nonprofits and individuals work with local governments. Most recently, she worked with the National League of Cities’ Institute for Youth Education & Families to design and implement a national series of institutes for large-city mayors focused on youth and education policy.

WASHINGTON, DC—UK crisis management specialist Regester Larkin has appointed John P. “Pat” Philbin as director of its crisis practice in the Americas. Philbin has managed high-profile crises including the loss of the space shuttle Challenger, oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico and several aircraft accidents during a 21-year career in the US Coast Guard where he held a range of operational afloat and management assignments, which culminated in his appointment as chief of public affairs. He will divide his time between Regester Larkin’s office in Washington, DC, and its new operation in Houston.

WASHINGTON, DC—Ann Marie Hauser has joined public affairs firm JDA Frontline as a vice president of public affairs, based in the firm’s Washington, DC, office. Hauser most recently served as communications director for the Tim Pawlenty for President campaign, running press operations from campaign headquarters in Minneapolis. Prior to serving Governor Pawlenty, Hauser worked in corporate communications for JPMorgan Chase in New York City.

RALEIGH, NC—French/West/Vaughan has added Craig Becher as media director. Becher most recently was manager of strategic planning and buying for Mindshare, a leading New York media planning and buying firms. Becher was also a member of the firm’s digital investment team and account lead on its Unilever hair product clients. FWV also welcomes Melissa Rivera, previously PR director at Rubberneck Media, as group account director.

NEW YORK—GCI Health has added Andrea Pellicciari, whose experience spans therapeutic categories including vaccines, neurological diseases, infectious diseases and women’s health, as senior vice president. Her past experience includes work with clients ranging from Pfizer’s Animal Health Division to the American Lung Association. In addtition, Mary Kate Watkins has joinedas a vice president and Jennifer Gordon has been named senior media specialist.