The National Aquarium has announced the appointment of Margot A. Amelia, left, as senior vice president and chief marketing officer, joining from the Maryland Office of Tourism Development where, for eight years, she was responsible for marketing the State of Maryland as a destination.

Prior to the Maryland Office of Tourism, Amelia served as vice president of marketing for the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association (now Visit Baltimore). From 1988 to 2001, Amelia worked for GKV and, prior to that, she worked for Smith Burke & Azzam and Amelia & Associates.

“Our renewed focus on ocean conservation requires no less than re-imagining the role of aquariums in the 21st century, and Margot brings exactly the right kind of talent and leadership to the task,” said John Racanelli, National Aquarium CEO.

Media Works, Ltd. announced the addition of new clients and is looking to expand its team and office space. The company is now agency of record for: Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Offenbacher’s, BUBBLES Salons, The White House Historical Association, Chase Brexton Health Services and ExpressCare Urgent Care Centers (a LifeBridge Health partner).

Planit promoted Hector Gonzalez to director of account management. In his new role, Gonzalez will oversee more than 25 account managers. Gonzalez spent the past two years as director of account planning. Also at Planit, Maxwell Connors joined as associate digital producer, and Cody Davidow joined as associate account executive.

Owings Mills-based MGH expanded its relationship with Global Franchise Group, LLC (GFG) to include social media management for all of the strategic brand management company’s Quick Service Restaurant franchise concepts, including Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery, MaggieMoo’s Ice Cream & Treatery and Pretzelmaker. MGH will also provide marketing services for Hot Dog on a Stick. Based in Norcross, Ga., GFG has nearly 1,100 franchised and corporate stores in more than 16 countries.

At A. Bright Idea in Bel Air, Lisa L. Morris was promoted to communication specialist from junior marketing specialist on the government services team.

Guy Rudiger joined Maroon PR in Columbia as an account coordinator. A recent graduate of the University of Maryland he served as a media relations intern with the Washington Redskins.

[Photo courtesy of National Aquarium]