MIAMI — The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) has named Sonia V. Diaz of Balsera Communications president of the HPRA Executive Board for its 2021-2022 term. Diaz, who has been part of the organization for seven years, previously served as president of HPRA's Miami chapter from 2014-2016. Jaime Rojas of Los Angeles-based Rojas Communications Group will serve as president-elect for 2022. In addition to Diaz and Rojas, the HPRA 2021-2022 Executive Board includes treasurer Elia Verduzco, OCTA and secretary Maggie Santos, City of Doral.

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations' Board of Advisors has announced its new leadership team and the addition of two new board members. Bridget Coffing is the incoming chair, replacing Keith Burton who rotated off the board after 12 years, and Joanne Bischmann will assume the position of vice chair. New board additions include Dr. T. Kenn Gaither and Scott Vazin. Coffing was most recently senior VP, worldwide corporate relations for McDonald’s Corporation. Until her retirement in 2019, Bischmann guided communications for Harley-Davidson Motor Company as well as oversaw its business aviation and travel and meeting services functions. Gaither is associate dean at Elon University’s School of Communications, and Vazin group VP and chief communications officer for Toyota Motor North America.

WASHINGTON — APCO Worldwide has launched a strategic partnership with Vector Center — a pioneer in AI-powered, real-time environmental intelligence — to help clients better anticipate, mitigate and communicate around environmental and water impacts.  Founded by journalist and water expert J. Carl Ganter, Vector Center helps companies, institutions and governments navigate water and systemic risks through its Perception Reality Engine™, a suite of AI-based tools and processes that provide real-time, contextualized insights about water issues.

NEW YORK, NY — To better help companies and investors enhance their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programs, Broadridge Financial Solutions, a global Fintech leader, and Third Economy, a leader in sustainable investment research and advisory services, have launched an ESG Advisory Service. This new service, leveraging proprietary data, will help corporate issuers and asset managers improve sustainability strategies while effectively positioning their ESG programs with stakeholders.