PHILADELPHIA — Brownstein Group has promoted Erin Allsman to company president. She is the first non-family member to hold the title, having most recently served as the agency’s first managing director. In her new role, Allsman will continue overseeing the agency’s operations and will work toward strengthening its future. She joined Brownstein Group 16 years ago.

WASHINGTON — SKDK has named executive VP Elizabeth Kenigsberg head of its cybersecurity and technology practice. Kenigsberg (pictured) has been with SKDK for nearly eight years, the last five of which she has served as co-chair of the firm’s tech and cyber practice. The practice area supports clients in designing communications strategies and crisis mitigation plans, with a special focus on preparation and response to cyberattacks, data leaks, and operating in a complex political and regulatory environment.  

NEW YORK — ICR has hired senior industry veterans Lee Pacchia and Joan Vollero as managing directors in its special situations practice group. They will join a growing team of communications advisors, where Pacchia will focus on bankruptcy and corporate restructuring and Vollero will focus on litigation support communications. Pacchia has nearly 20 years of experience in the bankruptcy and restructuring industry having most recently served as a director at Traxi, a consulting firm specializing in providing financial and operational advisory services to organizations in bankruptcy, restructuring, turnaround and crisis. Vollero has over 20 years of experience in communications and public affairs, most recently focusing on crisis and litigation support as senior VP at Prosek Partners.

LOS ANGELES — Alex Johnson has joined Bryson Gillette as a California VP. Johnson brings nearly 20 years of cross-sector experience working with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and philanthropy to solve complex problems and advance change. He has served in previous leadership roles at the Los Angeles County Board of Education as president, the California Wellness Foundation, Californians for Safety and Justice and Children’s Defense Fund-California among others.

WASHINGTON — Invariant has hired Kate Bennett as senior advisor. A journalist for more than two decades, Bennett will join Invariant’s strategic communications and public affairs team. Bennett joins Invariant from CNN, where she was a White House correspondent focusing on the Administration, the East Wing, the first lady, and other social and political issues.