BOSTON — Industry vet Dan Mazei (pictured) has launched a new consultancy, Tangled Roots, with a focus on meeting the needs of in-house comms leaders without the “filler” that can complicate agency relationships. Some of the service model offerings of Tangled Roots include full transparency on billed hours and run rates; one bill rate, regardless of challenge; a 24-hour “out-clause”; no pass-along fees for tools or tech stacks; a commitment to only business-critical calls, statuses and reports; and unlimited challenge-focused brainstorming.

SAN DIEGO — Austin, Texas-based Red Fan Communications has opened a new office in San Diego, expanding its West Coast presence. The new office, led by PR veteran Glenn Mandel, aims to offer innovative communication strategies and enhance client engagement in the region, marking a significant step in Red Fan's growth. The agency also recently opened offices in Asheville, North Carolina and Dallas.

GREENSBORO, NC — RLF Communications, a public relations agency with offices in Greensboro, Raleigh and Charlotte, has acquired GBW Strategies, a Raleigh-based public affairs and PR agency. GBW co-founder Billy Warden will become RLF chief strategy officer; co-founder Greg Behr will serve as a strategic advisor following a transition period. The acquisition of GBW strengthens RLF’s public affairs capabilities and increases the firm’s capacity to create and execute strategic campaigns for clients conducting business regionally, nationally and globally.

NEW YORK — PR Boutiques International, a global network of founder-led boutique firms, has elected its 2024-25 executive officers and directors. Elected to a two-year term are Julia Labaton of RED PR, as president, joined by VP Durée Ross of Duree & Company, treasurer/secretary Jeffrey Graubard of The Other Agency, member at large Tarunjeet Rattan of Nucleus PR, and president of PRBI Europe Juris Petersons of Jazz Communications. The board of directors welcomed Taru Nikulainen of Brunnen Communications to help guide its international growth.