Former Pentagon Press Secretary and Washington Journalist Peter Cook was named executive vice president and chief communications officer of the American Bankers Association.

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association hired lobbyist Laura O’Neill-Kaumo as its new senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs.

Stephen Petrakis joined the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) as vice president of its Equipment Council. Previously, he was vice president of sales and marketing at Thermal Care, Inc.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Education and Research Foundation appointed Simintha Esson to the newly created position of chief development officer.

Angela Kisskeys and Sarah Ruzek will take over for retiring President Kathy Johnson, CAE, as codirectors of Associations North.

The Anaheim (California) Convention Center selected Joaquin Quesada as its new deputy director.

Jim Dinegar stepped down from his role as president and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade.

Visit Phoenix hired Samantha Swadish as director of marketing and Megan Doyle as senior manager of corporate communications and community relations. Trish Lanteigne was promoted to media relations manager.

Cathy Brown, FASAE, CAE, joined Vetted Solutions as vice president, West Coast.

AMPED Association Management chose Aaron Manogue as its marketing manager and Michael Battaglia as the new executive of its Metro Washington, DC, office.

CUES promoted Karin Sand to vice president of strategic partnerships and solutions, and hired Antonio (Tony) Hill as SVP/chief marketing officer.

The Montana Society of CPAs announced that Allen S. Lloyd Jr. became its executive director, following the retirement of Jane Egan.

Visit Omaha (Nebraska) welcomed Tracie McPherson as director of communications.

David Lipsius is the new president and CEO of the Yoga Alliance and the Yoga Alliance Registry.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association hired Brent Renneke as public relations manager and promoted Meghan Doyle to communications director and Missy Gilbertson to director of grower services.

Jan Snoeij was chosen as president and senior consultant of the Manufacturing Operations Management Institute.