Markstein, an agency based in Birmingham, Ala, is opening a Washington, D.C., office and Sheila McLean has been named president, Mid Atlantic. McLean will lead D.C. operations as Markstein expands to serve its issues/crisis, public affairs and advocacy work.

According to a release, “McLean brings decades of award-winning experience working in social purpose, sustainability, issues management, public affairs, media, corporate reputation and advocacy. Prior to joining Markstein, she spent 17 years with MSL, serving as the North America Social Purpose and Sustainability practice director and as managing director of the Detroit office. She led Safety and Environmental Affairs at Chrysler Corp., where she developed and launched an industry-leading child safety program. She also served as a communications officer for the C.S. Mott Foundation and a senior policy and external affairs advisor to Michigan Gov. John Engler.

““Our expansion into Washington, D.C. is a direct result of our high performing team’s impactful work, which has fueled the steady growth of this agency,." said Eileen Jaffe Markstein, chief executive officer.”