Lobbying world

Former Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) launched Alpine Advisors, a policy and strategic advisory firm in partnership with lobbying shop Alpine Group. Walden, a former chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, will serve as chairman and focus on energy, technology, telecommunications and health care for clients.

The Aerospace Industries Association hired Katarina DeFilippo and Scott Harris as managers of legislative affairs. DeFilippo previously was legislative assistant to Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.), while Harris previously worked as a legislative correspondent for Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.).

Jack Frye was named manager of congressional relations for the National Pork Producers Council. He previously worked on political advocacy at the National Restaurant Association for more than three years.

Sean Smith was named senior manager of public affairs at General Electric Co. He was Sen. Tim Scott’s (R-S.C.) communications director for 10 years.

TechNet named Steve Kidera director of communications. He previously was senior director of communications and public affairs at CompTIA for more than a year and before that was manager of industry communications at the Consumer Electronics Association.

Jose Borjon joined Akin Gump as a senior policy adviser. Borjon previously was chief of staff to Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas) for more than four years and before that held various roles including senior adviser to Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Texas), director of media relations for former Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas) and press secretary for Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas).

Eric Johnston was named director of federal government affairs at Marriott International Inc. He previously was director of government relations at The Coca-Cola Co. for over four years and before that was government relations manager at Strategic Solutions Center.