Glen Echo Group added Shane McCarthy and Bella Kerbers. Both join the firm, states a release, during a new phase of growth as part of the recently unveiled Orchestra platform, a network of eight leading agency partners with wide-ranging industry expertise and expanded capabilities.  “In the tumult of an election year, Shane and Bella’s expertise will help us tell the important stories of tech in ways that decision-makers now and post-election can understand,” said Maura Corbett, the firm’s founder and CEO.  Prior to joining Glen Echo as a senior associate, McCarthy worked in the fields of strategic consulting, government affairs, tech and communications. He also brings an international perspective, having worked as a consultant and educator in southern China. Kerbers joins as an associate and will graduate this month with a Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University.

Seven Letter added four to the firm’s D.C. office: Anthony Nerantzis joins as a Director; Abbey Fitzpatrick and Radeeyah Khan as Content Specialists; and Hedi Haleem as Director of Administration. “In the past year, Seven Letter has seen more than a 200% growth in our corporate communications practice,” said Founding Partner & CEO Erik Smith.

The Alpine Group announced five promotions, noting the five bring a combined 30-years-plus of lobbying at the firm to their positions of  newly elevated strategists. Alpine promoted Vice Presidents Lauren Bazel, Barry Brown, Michael Haywood and Curtis Philp to Senior Vice Presidents. The firm also promoted Policy Director Jenny Forrest to Vice President.