The Optical Society (OSA) has named Tracy Schario chief external relations officer. Schario will provide strategic direction on government and public relations and institutional branding. This includes managing public relations programs for the organization's scientific journals, international conferences and trade shows and its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education outreach and advocacy efforts. She will also support the organization's centennial programs in 2016. "Tracy’s experience spans advocacy and strategic communications across several disciplines including energy, higher education, technology and international relations, and she brings the leadership experience and expertise to support the growing accomplishments of the optics and photonics community," said OSA CEO Elizabeth Rogan. "Promoting and educating audiences on the essential role optics and photonics plays in helping solve real world challenges will be a core goal during OSA’s upcoming centennial year." Schario previously directed advocacy communications for the clean energy portfolio at The Pew Charitable Trusts and served as spokesperson for George Washington University (GW). While at GW, she frequently appeared on television and managed several high-profile crises receiving national media attention. Her experience includes corporate management at Strategic Communications Group Inc., community relations at the U.S. Embassy in Manila and government relations at the National Utility Contractors Association. Schario taught media relations and social media at GW and has written for the Capitol Communicator and her own blog. She serves on the Public Relations Society of America board of directors. She has a master's degree in communications from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University.