SYRACUSE, NY — Mower has named Stephanie Crocket president and CEO, succeeding CEO Eric Mower, who will become chairman of the agency. Crockett joined the agency 18 years ago and was named president and COO of the company in June 2021. In August 2022, Eric Mower, who has led the agency since 1968, sold the company to a newly established employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). This announcement marks the most recent point in a long-in-the-making ownership transition and succession plan that began nearly 10 years ago when Mower first considered an ESOP as an alternative to an outside sale.

BALTIMORE — Weber Shandwick has promoted James Walker to general manager of its Baltimore office. Walker will focus on continued growth in the market, particularly in energy, healthcare and technology sectors. Walker (pictured) joined Weber Shandwick in 2018. His previous roles included senior VP of integrated media and executive VP of digital innovation.

TORONTO — Strategic Objectives has promoted Adriana Lurz to president. An 18-year veteran of the firm, Lurz most recently served as the agency’s senior VP. Lurz became a partner in the agency in 2021 and is key to its strategic development including growing its team of talented PR pros, retaining clients and attracting new ones.

NEW YORK — Weber Shandwick has hired Jackie Cox Battles as New York consumer brand practice lead and North America consumer brand practice growth lead. Cox Battles joins from Zeno Group after an 11-year stint, most recently leading the consumer practice in the East, as well as key client engagements such as Campbell’s, Bacardi and Kohl’s.  Cox Battles will report to New York general manager Michael Wehman and will work closely with chief brand officer Joy Farber Kolo to drive growth across the consumer brand practice in North America.

WASHINGTON — ROKK Solutions has promoted Lindsay Singleton to the newly created role of chief development officer. In her new role, Singleton will focus on the overall growth and expansion of the firm, help shape the company’s business vision and build and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships. She will also continue as chair of the social impact communications practice.

MINNEAPOLIS — Padilla has promoted Rosalie Morton to senior VP of channels. Morton oversees the agency’s paid media, social media, and media relations specialist teams, developing connection strategies and integrated marketing programs for clients. She leads the agency’s approach to connection strategy, ensuring that integrated programs utilize the right mix of channels to reach target audiences with messaging that resonates and drives results. 

DALLAS — Andrea Barger has joined The Bliss Group to serve as general manager, Texas. She will be responsible for launching a new Dallas office for all Next Practice Group firms and building a growing presence for The Bliss Group across the state. Barger has worked in consulting as a leader at GCI Health and as a marketer for Red Bull.