WASHINGTON — The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has tapped communications agency founder and CEO Tonya Veasey (pictured) to lead the organization as its new president and chief executive officer. Veasey is the founder and CEO of Open Channels Group (OCG+), a purpose driven full-service communications and marketing agency based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. As CBCF president and CEO, Veasey will spearhead strategic planning and vision as the organization adapts to changing socioeconomic landscapes. She will also lead the CBCF mission to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public.

MILWAUKEE — Rockwell Automation has announced that Patricia Contreras has been named VP of global public affairs. In this new role, she will oversee the company’s federal and state government affairs activities, external communications, media relations, corporate responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting functions as well as the community relations and contributions group. Most recently, Contreras served as director of global community relations and contributions. She is the first Latina to lead the company’s global public affairs function.

STONY BROOK, NY — Applied DNA Sciences has appointed Sanjay Hurry executive director of investor relations and corporate communications. Hurry will oversee the company’s outreach with the investment community and report to chairman, president and CEO James A. Hayward. Hurry brings over 20 years of investor relations and corporate communications experience, most recently serving as VP at LHA Investor Relations, Applied DNA’s agency of record.