People Making News: Katie McBreen, Chris Hodowanec, Kristin Gregory, Nicole Golvala and Amber Garnett

Katie McBreen joined the Grocery Manufacturers Association as VP-communications and research.  According to O’Dwyer’s, McBrfeen most recently was VP-communications, PA and counselor to the CEO of the National Retail Federation, where she handled advocacy, crisis communications, media relations, and executive positioning.   Earlier, McBreen, in photo above, worked as senior director of communications & strategy at the US Chamber of Commerce, handling programs such as the Campaign for Free Enterprise and Project for Regulatory Reform.  More here.

Blue Water, a full-service agency with a digital focus that’s headquartered in D.C., added Chris Hodowanec to its Creative/UX team. Hodowanec previously was a Senior Art Director at Edelman in Chicago, IL, before moving on to become Associate Creative Director at Manifest in Chicago. Most recently, Hodowanec was the Service Design Lead at Fjord in D.C..

Stratacomm announced five promotions: Kristin Gregory was promoted to account director; Nicole Golvala advances to senior account executive, her second promotion within a three-year timeframe; and after a year as an assistant account executive, Amber Garnett has been promoted to account executive.