Katie Seifert
Katie Seifert

Actual Agency has hired Katie Seifert as VP. Seifert joins Actual from Coyne PR, where she developed and directed communications strategies for such companies as Casio, IMAX, the National Hardware Show and NY NOW. She was previously manager, public relations at Samsung Electronics America. At Actual, her responsibilities will include helping to manage client relationships with the agency’s recently expanded purpose-led communications practice. “Katie’s broad skillset and keen communications intuitions will be vital assets as we continue to expand the work we do with clients in helping them execute on purpose-led communications campaigns spanning sustainability, gender equality, economic development, and diversity & inclusion platforms,” said Actual Agency president Brian Regan.

Ian Fury
Ian Fury

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has hired Ian Fury as her communications director, effective April 6, according to a report in the Rapid City Journal. Fury previously served as communications director for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), a major supporter of president Trump during the recent impeachment proceedings. Before that, he was field director for Americans for Prosperity, a political advocacy group funded by David and Charles Koch. He was also a communications and policy strategist in the office Kansas governor Sam Brownback from 2015 to 2017.

Michelle Rai
Michelle Rai

Inland Empire Health Plan in Rancho Cucamonga has named Michelle Rai chief communications and marketing officer. Rai comes to IEHP from Pacific Union College in Napa Valley, where she was chair of the communication department. She was previously public relations director at the college. In her new position, Rai will oversee IEHP's communications and marketing programs and guide the health plan in the development of long-term communication and marketing strategies. She will also oversee the strategic execution of IEHP's community relations, media relations, internal communications, digital and social media.