Lobbying World: WestExec adds CIA alums

Kevin Higgins and Paul Farley are now senior advisors at the influential consulting firm WestExec Advisors. Both worked at the Central Intelligence Agency for more than three decades, experience Nitin Chadda, WestExec co-founder and managing partner, said “has proven critical in enabling our clients to access and navigate new business opportunities in the U.S. and internationally.”

The Consumer Bankers Association added Weston Loyd as vice president and press secretary. Loyd, who was most recently the communications director for a gubernatorial campaign, previously helped lead communications for the Trump White House and 2020 campaign.

Michael Magdelinskas joined Accenture as the Northeast government relations lead. Magdelinskas previously worked as the head of legislative and regulatory policy for transit bikes and scooters at Lyft.

Robin Calleja and Kelcey McClung joined the strategic communications team at Seven Letter as managers. Calleja is a former teacher and digital communication specialist for Filipino Americans for Biden-Harris. McClung is a former reporter who most recently worked for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.