NEW YORK — The Next Practices Group (NPG) has invested in Bliss Integrated Communication, joining forces to build a next-generation marketing communications firm. Michael Roth and Cortney Rhoads-Stapleton, who were instrumental in building Bliss over the past two decades, will become managing partners of the firm, which will be renamed The Bliss Group. They will be joined by Bob Pearson, who will serve as CEO of The Bliss Group in addition to his role as chair of NPG.

NEW YORK — The PRSA Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion within the communications profession, has appointed Dr. Aerial Ellis as its president. Ellis (pictured) is an entrepreneur, educator and dedicated advocate of improving diversity, equity and inclusion within public relations. She had previously served on the PRSA Foundation board as a representative of the PRSA national board. She succeeds Joe Cohen following the completion of his tenure as president.

NEW YORK — Capstone Hill Search has expanded the company’s presence in the USA and UK, making four senior appointments: Rachel Ramos, Brianna Hartz, Julia Thomas and Amy Pattison-Emms. Ramos, a 20-year veteran of the marketing & communications recruitment industry, joins CHS’s US operations as VP. Hartz, a former director of an international marketing communications recruitment specialist, joins CHS’s New York office as a managing consultant. Thomas joins CHS’s London office as principal consultant, public and corporate affairs. Pattison-Emms also joins CHS’s London operations as a principal consultant.

RESTON, VA — Buffalo Groupe has expanded its research capabilities with the acquisition of Longitudes Group, a sports marketing research and consulting company based in Portland, Oregon. Longitudes Group, a pioneer in geographic-based demographic research in golf, fitness, outdoor sports and travel, is the fourth acquisition since Buffalo Groupe was founded in February 2019.  Longitudes Group will now be known as Longitudes Group, a Buffalo Groupe Company, with Sara Killeen continuing to lead as managing director. The company will remain headquartered in Portland.