Choice Hotels International, Inc. announced that it has named Robin Pence to the position of vice president of public relations. In this role, she will be responsible for developing and managing the external communications strategy for the company in the areas of public, media, industry and government relations. Ms. Pence will report to Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, brand strategy and marketing.

“I’m excited that Robin is joining us to lead our external communications efforts and welcome a leader of her caliber to the Choice team,” said Jaritz. “Robin is a skilled strategist who has helped shape company image and raise visibility of major brands in diverse industries. She will be a key player in our efforts to increase awareness of Choice Hotels and our collection of outstanding brands, franchise support and industry leadership.”

Ms. Pence joins Choice Hotels with more than 25 years of experience in the private and public sectors, including leadership positions at Fortune 200 companies, the Federal Communications Commission, and on Capitol Hill. She has extensive experience building company and executive reputation in some of the most competitive and complex business sectors.

Most recently, Robin served as vice president, corporate communications at Gannett, one of the world’s leading media companies and the parent company of USA TODAY, where she was responsible for the company’s external and internal communications and brand management, and led the development and launch of the company’s first corporate brand strategy and national advertising campaign. Robin also served as executive director of the Gannett Foundation.

Prior to joining Gannett, Robin was vice president, communications for AES, a global power company, responsible for brand strategy and management, external and internal communications and corporate social responsibility. Earlier in her career, she served as associate director of the Office of Media Relations for the Federal Communications Commission and as press secretary for several members of Congress. She also served as director of corporate communications for Sprint and led the strategy to successfully position Sprint as the leader in consumer long distance at the height of the long-distance phone wars.