FRANKLIN, TN—Nissan Americas has named Maria Eugenia Santiago as director, corporate communications for Nissan Mexicana and Nissan Latin America. In this newly created role she will oversee all Nissan Americas communications activity south of the US, excluding Brazil. She will be based in Mexico City and report to Jose Munoz, president, NMEX, and David Reuter, vice president, corporate communications, Nissan Americas. Santiago joins Nissan from Johnson Controls, where she was communications director.

DETROIT—Ilitch Holdings has named Karen Cullen vice president of corporate relations. Previously, Strachan served as account manager at lovio george | communications + design, a Detroit-based agency where she provided media relations, marketing and advertising services for clients such as the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, The Parade Company, Hudson-Webber Foundation, Cranbrook and Midtown, Inc.

LEXINGTON, KY—The International Spa Association has named Trish Dever as public relations director. Dever will work with media outlets around the world to promote the spa industry's message of health and wellness, along with offerings and products. She will also contribute to the ISPA website, social media platforms, and provide direction on digital media outreach and video production.

ST. LOUIS—The Tuition Plan Consortium, a group of more than 270 US private colleges and universities that own and operate the Private College 529 Plan, have appointed Abigail Peche as director of member relations and communications. In addition to building and fostering relationships with member colleges and universities and guiding the consortium's communications strategy, Peche will focus on bolstering the organization's social media presence and engagement. She previously served as the marketing communications manager for Pi Beta Phi Foundation, the non-profit entity of the women's fraternity Pi Beta Phi.

FORT COLLINS—Colorado State University has named Mike Hooker, a 21-year TV news veteran, as executive director of public affairs and communications. Hooker has spent 17 years at Channel 4 in Denver, most of it as the Northern Colorado bureau reporter. He also worked at NBC stations in Missouri and Tennessee.

PHOENIX—Phoenix International Raceway has named Dave Lockett director of communications. Lockett most recently directed public relations for the Pittsburgh Steelers, after previously working in corporate communications at the National Football League and with several New York-area PR firms.

PHILADELPHIA—Independence Blue Cross has promoted Stephen Fera to the newly created position of senior vice president of public affairs. Fera had served as vice president of government programs. In his new role, he will lead Independence Blue Cross's newly expanded efforts on government affairs, health policy matters, and community affairs. Fera will continue to report to Paul Tufano, executive vice president, general counsel, and president of government markets.