February 2026
Public affairs professionals are moving around, moving up and putting their talents to great use. Here are some of the latest career moves.
Samantha Ayoub, formerly environment, labor and taxes economist, American Farm Bureau Federation; now director of workforce and business policy, International Fresh Produce Association
Emily Benavides, formerly chief of staff, Office of Rep. Bob Latta; now vice president of government affairs, UnitedHealth Group
Katie Brossy, formerly partner, Akin; now promoted to co-head, American Indian law & policy practice
Becca Bycott, head of partnerships, Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream; now vice president of strategic partnership, Public Affairs Council
Jennifer Cruickshank, formerly director of public policy, Amazon; now executive director of state and local public policy, General Motors
Sarah Gerdes, formerly deputy chief, national security division, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California; now senior counsel, international trade practice, Akin
Jason Hauter, formerly partner, Akin; now promoted to co-head, American Indian law & policy practice
Jordan Healey, formerly program manager, American Petroleum Institute; now director of membership and organization development, American Farm Bureau Federation
Jenelle Krishnamoorthy, formerly vice president and head of global public policy and international affairs, Merck; now promoted to senior vice president and head of global policy and public affairs
Jay Lovell, formerly office director, Bureau of Energy Resources, U.S. Department of State; now senior advisor, international government affairs, Shell USA
Ron Kendler, formerly partner, White & Case; now partner, international trade and regulatory compliance practice, Steptoe
Katy McKegney, formerly advertising director, The Hill; now senior vice president, Neptune Ops
Bryce McNitt, formerly chief of staff, office of markets, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; now senior vice president of public affairs, RXN
Kathryn Mitchell, formerly chief of staff, National Institute of Standards and Technology; now policy adviser, government affairs and public policy practice, DLA Piper
Joey Mott, formerly chief of staff, Office of Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.); now federal relations manager, Aflac
Kevin O’Hanlon, formerly senior director of government relations, Samsung Electronics America; now vice president and head of North American government relations, Global Electronics Association
Mara Sheldon, formerly principal, Squire Patton Boggs; now senior policy adviser, Holland & Knight, Denver
Michelle Shevin-Coetzee, formerly senior policy advisor, Office of Rep. Maggie Goodlander; now director of government relations, Honeywell International Inc
Katy Summerlin Baron, formerly public affairs officer, NASA; now senior director of policy communications, Aerospace Industries Association
Andrew Ting, formerly chief legal officer and corporate secretary, Panorama Education; now deputy general counsel and executive vice president, American Bankers Association
Elle Westra, formerly staff assistant, Office of Senate Majority Leader John Thune; now government relations associate, AxAdvocacy
Deanna Wisniewski, formerly senior manager of public affairs and communications, American Waterways Operators; now senior manager of communications, Public Affairs Council.
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