This past month has been a busy one with several long-time industry figures switching jobs, being promoted or returning to prior places of employment.

In addition, there was the sad news that Earl C. Hargrove, founder of general service contracting firm Hargrove Inc., passed away at the age of 86.

A celebration of his life is planned for April 11, beginning 11 a.m. at St. James’ Church, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, Md. 20711, followed by internment.

Family and friends may visit April 10, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at his home, Holly Springs Farm, 571 West Bay Front Road, Lothian, Md. 20711.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to HEROES, Inc. at www.Heroes-Inc.org or by giving to the Marine Corps Scholarship Fund.

In other people news, the Craft & Hobby Association promoted Tina Lynn Mercardo to Associate Vice President, Events & Exhibitions.

In this new position, Mercado will be responsible for the overall sales and operations of all the CHA live events and meetings, including the CHA MEGA Show, the largest creative arts marketplace in the United States. 

Robbi Lycett, who spent the past nine years as senior vice president, conventions & conferences for Biotechnology Industry Organization, has taken on a new position as an event strategist for Tradeshow Logic.

Lycett joined Tradeshow Logic because the company shares her dedication to looking beyond how things have been done in the past to produce better, stickier, more cost effective events. “We are entering a time of great customization. Tradeshow Logic's mission is to partner with our clients to develop shows that thrive because they are designed around the specific needs of their unique stakeholders," Lycett said.

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce selected James E. Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, to be the Chamber’s next president and CEO Rooney will succeed current Chamber President and CEO Paul Guzzi and assume the post on July 1.

Rooney was selected by a Chamber search committee and unanimously approved by the Chamber’s Board of Directors. 

Rooney served as executive director of MCCA since 2003, overseeing the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston’s Back Bay, the Boston Common Garage, and the MassMutual Center in Springfield. 

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Education Foundation hired Meredith Rollins as its new executive director.

Rollins rejoins the organization after serving as director of strategic development for the Association for Corporate Growth for the last two and half years. She previously worked with PCMA as senior manager of partner relations; overseeing the fulfillment and delivery of integrated marketing efforts for 17 partners.

As executive director, Rollins will lead the Foundation’s high-priority initiatives focused on driving innovation and learning for the global meetings community by funding research for innovation, education, and scholarships.

Here is more people news:

·         Adam Wright joined Visit KC in a newly created position of visitor services manager. He began on March 13.

·         Visit Spokane took on a new regional director of national accounts - Mid-Atlantic, Ann Garvey. A 20-year meetings industry veteran, Garvey will be based in the Washington D.C. office of Visit Spokane. 

·         PCMA brought on Arlis Whalum, CPA, as chief financial officer. Whalum brings with her an impressive résumé of 17 years of progressively growing financial and operational experience with an $18 million non-profit association, as well as Big 4 CPA and Fortune 500 experience

·         Stevens Worldwide Van Lines tapped a new International pricing and vendor relationship manager, Erlinda Salazar. Erlinda has extensive experience with strategic pricing, international logistics, and global procurement.