Lobbying world

•Jano Cabrera, the 2004 campaign communications director for the Democratic Party, has joined Burson-Marstellar as managing director in the firm’s pubic affairs practice.

•Mark Van de Water has joined the lobbying practice of law firm Baker Donelson as a senior public policy adviser. Van de Water served previously as principle adviser to Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and the members of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee.

•Del Renigar, who serves as counsel on international and trade matters for General Electric, was named co-chairman of USA*Engage, a coalition of businesses and trade groups that advocates for a trade agenda.

•Ralph G. Neas, president and chief executive of People for the American Way and the People for the American Way Foundation, announced he will step down from his post. The group is searching for a new president.

•John Stierhoff, a former longtime counsel in the Maryland statehouse, has joined Venable LLP as a partner in the firm’s state and local government practice.

•J. William Ichord, a former top lobbyist for the American Chemistry Council, has joined Sempra Energy as vice president of government relations.

•Alexandra Bennewith and Tilly Gambill have joined the American Association of Homecare as senior manager of government relations and communications manager, respectively. Bennewith previously served as a lobbyist for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Spina Bifida Association of America. Gambill comes from Docs for Tots, an advocacy group.

•Catherine M. Polley, who was chief policy officer for the American Pharmacists Association, has joined the Food Marketing Institute as a vice president in pharmacy services.

•Larry Schafer has joined the National Biodiesel Board as senior adviser to the legislative and regulatory team. Schafer served previously as vice president for both the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.

•Matt Rhodes has joined the American Hotel & Lodging Association as director of legislative communications. Rhodes most recently served as the deputy communications director for the House Budget Committee under former Chairman Jim Nussle (R-Iowa).