Lobbying world

Omar Vargas joined General Motors Co. as vice president and head of global public policy. Vargas previously held government affairs roles at 3M, Praxair and PepsiCo and served in the Justice Department from 2001 to 2006.

David Caruolo joined Anheuser-Busch as senior director of federal government affairs. Caruolo most recently served as policy adviser to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

The Financial Technology Association named Penny Lee as its first CEO. Lee most recently was head of public affairs for Invariant and previously served as a senior adviser to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

The National Auto Auction Association named Tricia Heon as its new CEO. Heon joined the group as legislative director in 2011 and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2019.

Stacey Brayboy joined March of Dimes as senior vice president of public policy and government affairs. Brayboy most recently was director of Virginia’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and previously served as chief of staff to the chief financial officer in the Department of Agriculture.

Keaghan Ames joined the Institute of International Bankers as director of government affairs. Ames most recently led regulatory policy at Credit Suisse.

Kierstin Stradford joined government affairs firm Smith Dawson & Andrews as a senior associate. Stradford most recently served as a senior legislative assistant for Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.).