NEW APPOINTMENTS & HIRES

Pinkham Named to Succeed Hoewing as PAC CEO

Douglas G. Pinkham, now executive director of communications at the American Gas Association, Arlington, Va., will become president of the Public Affairs Council (PAC), Washington D.C., and its affiliate, the Foundation for Public Affairs, on April 1.

Pinkham will succeed Raymond L. Hoewing, who will retire after more than three decades with the council -- nearly 10 of them as its CEO. Pinkham, according to PAC, was chosen from a pool of 250 candidates because of the leadership he demonstrated during his 14 years with AGA and for a range of volunteer/community efforts. (PAC, 202/872-1790)

Bracy Williams & Co. Hires Warner to Serve as PR Director

Bracy Williams and Co., a public affairs and government relations firm in Washington, D.C., has brought Tim Warner, former communications director for U.S. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) on board as director of PR. Prior to joining Bracy Williams, Warner headed the senator's successful re-election campaign. (Bracy Williams & Co., 202/783-5588)

Weber Group Promotes Pforzheimer to VP Slot

On Jan. 14, The Weber Group, Cambridge, Mass., appointed Harry Pforzheimer III to the newly created position of executive VP of its West Coast operations, Palo Alto, Calif. He was director of corporate communications for Silicon Graphics Inc., Mountain View, Calif. (Weber Group, 617/661-7900)

Corporate Promotions:

Stacy Peteet Barry was promoted to director of PR and quality assurance for Wyndham Anatole Hotel, Dallas. Barry, who has been with the hotel for more than two years as PR manager, will be responsible for the hotel's entire communications plans, including guest relations and internal communications. (Wyndham Anatole Hotel, 214/748-1200)

Robert C. Gillespie has been promoted from assistant vice president to second VP, corporate communications, by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York. He will continue to oversee advertising and PR for the life, disability and employees benefits insurance company. (The Guardian, 212/598-8000)

Insync Expands with New Management Team in Portland

Insync, a Portland, Ore.-based firm providing communications counsel to technology clients, formed a new management team, with Charles Humble, a founding partner, at the helm as president. Other members of the management team include VP Ray Berardinelli, who was account executive manager; and Traci Campbell, a former comptroller for Prometheus Products, Tigard, Ore. (Insync, 503/497-5462)

Edelman Announces Several Staff Changes at Chicago Office

Edelman PR Worldwide announced some staff changes at its Chicago office. They include:

Alix Salyers, promoted to senior VP, creative resources unit, in addition to her director of media services position;

Nancy Ruscheinski, who was named executive VP in the creative resources unit. She will also continue as director of Edelman Interactive Solutions.

Peter Debreceny, formerly general manager for Edelman's Australia operations, will head the Chicago office's corporate communications. (Edelman, 312/240-2716)