WASHINGTON, DC—President Barack Obama has announced his intention to appoint J Todd Breasseale as assistant secretary for public affairs, Department of Homeland Security. Breasseale is currently principal deputy assistant secretary for public affairs. He also served at the Department of Defense as the spokesman for the offices of the general counsel, detainee policy, rule of law, Western hemisphere affairs, legislative affairs, and US Southern Command.

DETROIT—DTE Energy has named Renze Hoeksema as vice president of government affairs following the retirement of 39-year veteran Fred Shell. Hoeksema, currently director of state government affairs, will oversee the company's corporate federal, state and local government affairs work. He joined the company in 1981 and has held roles covering media relations, speech writing, political action and economic development.

SAN ANTONIO, TX—Generations Federal Credit Union has promoted Ashley Harris to vice president, marketing and corporate communications. Harris will oversee marketing, internal and external communications, branding, and strategy. Specifically, she will now lead the Credit Union’s traditional, online, digital and social media marketing efforts, multi-channel brand marketing, and advertising and creative services and will continue to be responsible for all public relations, community relations and legislative advocacy.

MIAMI—Cruise line Seabourn has appointed Brian Badura as director of public relations and strategic initiatives. Badura will oversee communications and public relations efforts including the upcoming launches of two new ships. Previously, Badura served as a public affairs officer for the US Navy, working both stateside and overseas.

DALLAS—Hospitality Management Corporation has promoted Sandi Byars to corporate director of communications and marketing, responsible for media relations, social media, website, collateral and other creative. Byars has more than 20 years of marketing and communications experience, including roles with Fox Television and The Oregon Health Sciences University and UCLA.