DALLAS—Weber Shandwick has named David Nieland, a 20-year veteran of the firm, as acting general manager for the Dallas office, reporting to Weber Shandwick North America president Cathy Calhoun. Jody Venturoni, former president of Weber Shandwick’s Southwest operations, left the firm to pursue other interests.

The firm also named Chris Vary, a leader in digital and emerging media, as executive vice president, client services; promoted Ryan Mikolasik and Neil Nowlin to executive vice president; Alison McMillon to senior vice president; and Beth Pederson to creative director in the visual communications practice.

In addition, Matt Dickman—formerly a senior partner at Fleishman-Hillard, has joined Weber Shandwick’s corporate digital team as executive vice president, social business innovation, based in Dallas. And Maggie Thill has re-joined Weber Shandwick as vice president in the Dallas office after holding senior-level positions with FedEx, Kinko’s and the Dallas Arboretum.