NEW YORK — Brian Ellner has been appointed as the new managing director of APCO's New York office. Before joining APCO, Ellner was president of One Strategy Group and has also led public affairs for WPP in the U.S. and the corporate communications team at BCW. He has been recognized by City & State New York and Crain’s New York Business for his leadership in communications. Ellner takes over from Pamela Passman, who continues in her role as global chair of APCO’s corporate advisory.

NEW YORK — MSL U.S. has named Nicole Messier as its new managing director, corporate reputation. In this role, Messier will oversee strategy, client partnerships, and innovation within the practice, focusing on corporate issues, change management, executive thought leadership, and market differentiation. Messier joins MSL after serving as president at Mission North for seven years. Prior to that, Messier held senior roles at Edelman and HelloFresh, among others.

OTTAWA, ON — ChangeMakers has appointed Chrystiane Mallaley as senior VP, engagement. With over 20 years of experience in communications and public engagement, Mallaley brings expertise in building evidence-based strategies for governments, communities, non-profits, and the private sector across Canada. In her new role, Mallaley will lead ChangeMakers’ engagement practice within social impact consulting, providing strategic counsel on communications and engagement initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue, strengthening relationships, and addressing complex policy and project challenges. Before joining ChangeMakers, Mallaley led the public participation practice at Hill & Knowlton and has held roles at National Public Relations, the Government of New Brunswick, Halifax Regional Municipality, and Sobeys Inc.

CHICAGO — Flowers Communications Group has promoted Jasmine Flowers Mazyck and Brinton Flowers as managing partners. Mazyck joined FCG in 2022 as a managing director from Deloitte and McKinsey & Company, where she specialized in talent management and DE&I initiatives. Flowers, with FCG since 2013, has led client campaigns with a diverse background in business, public relations, marketing, and broadcasting.

NEW YORK — MAD Global Strategy has hired Sara Valenzuela as managing director in New York. With extensive experience in government affairs, strategic communications, and political consulting, Valenzuela will contribute her expertise in grassroots organizing, government relations, and campaign coordination. Valenzuela previously served as National Latino Outreach Director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and worked on President Obama’s 2008 campaign. She has also held key roles on Capitol Hill, working with Hispanic Caucus Chair Joe Baca. Most recently, Valenzuela founded Valenzuela Strategies, LLC and was COO at Cultural Productions, a strategic communications firm.

HOUSTON — Pennino and Partners has promoted MaKlay Simon to VP and chief client success officer. In her new role, she will be responsible for the day-to-day management of client programs and support business development initiatives. Simon, who joined the firm in 2021 after graduating from Texas A&M University, has quickly become a key player in client relations, strategic recommendations, and mentoring junior team members.