Agency People News In Brief (February 23, 2026)

NEW YORK - Ruder Finn has hired Jeremy Guterl as senior VP, research and analytics, reporting to chief technology officer Tejas Totade. In the role, Guterl will infuse data and analytics across the organization, lead custom research engagements including message testing and strategic positioning, and embed AI into research processes, including the use of synthetic audience personas and attribution models. He brings 15 years of research and insights experience and will also contribute to rf, the agency's innovation incubator.

MONTCLAIR, NJ - MAD Global Strategy has named Frank Buonomo managing director to establish and lead the firm's Pittsburgh office, expanding its presence in Pennsylvania. Buonomo most recently served as senior VP and chief marketing and communications officer at Brentwood Bank and previously founded the Buonomo Group. He has also held senior communications and operations roles with organizations including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators.

WASHINGTON - Signal Group has hired Eben Burnham-Snyder to lead its growing energy practice. Burnham-Snyder will advise energy and environmental clients on public affairs strategy, regulatory navigation and reputational risk. He joins from Cheniere Energy, where he built the company's public affairs and communications function. Earlier, he served as senior executive service appointee and top public affairs official at the Department of Energy, and held communications roles with Sen. Ed Markey and House energy committees.

SAN FRANCISCO - Segal Communications has expanded its leadership team with the additions of Katina Tinka Bush and Gabriel Muñoz. Both join as senior media relations and influencer marketing professionals focused on wine, food and lifestyle clients.

NORTHBROOK, IL - KemperSports has appointed Sara Kearney as its first chief marketing officer. Kearney will lead brand strategy and marketing across the company's portfolio of more than 210 golf, sports and hospitality properties nationwide. She joined KemperSports in 2020 and most recently served as senior VP of KemperDestinations. Prior to that, she spent more than 30 years at Hyatt Hotels in senior global marketing and operations roles.

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Crosby Marketing Communications has promoted Kelsi Fink to associate VP, public relations, and Laura Flury to associate VP, digital marketing. Fink leads national media relations, spokesperson training and reputation management programs for clients including DAV and the US Department of Agriculture. Flury oversees integrated digital and AI-powered marketing programs and works with clients including the Social Security Administration and DAV.

CHICAGO - L.C. Williams & Associates has appointed Maria Balice executive VP to lead the firm's corporate affairs practice. Balice rejoined the agency in November after previously serving in senior communications roles for Fortune 500 companies and global nonprofits. LCWA president and CEO Kim Blazek Dahlborn said Balice will help expand the firm's corporate affairs capabilities.

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