Howard Gantman has been named vice president, corporate communications, at the Motion Picture Association of America. He joined the MPAA in August as senior communications consultant.

The appointment was announced Monday by Dan Glickman, MPAA chairman-CEO.

Gantman will oversee the MPAA’s communications program from the organizatoin's Washington, D.C., office. Corporate communications VP Elizabeth Kaltman will continue to oversee the MPAA’s communications efforts in Los Angeles, focusing on content protection, movie ratings, litigation and studio relations. 

“The MPAA is at a critical time in its evolution as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries around the world,” Glickman said in a statement. “Howard’s unique combination of expertise in public affairs and communications, coupled with his extensive experience in the government and media sectors, will make him a critical player as we interface with the media, the public, federal agencies and our member companies in this new digital era.” 

Before joining the MPAA, Gantman was Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s staff director of the joint congressional committee on inaugural ceremonies, responsible for overseeing President Obama’s swearing-in ceremony. He also was Sen. Feinstein’s communications director for nine years. 

Gantman replaces Angela Belden Martinez, who has been named senior adviser and director of outreach for economic development at the United States Department of Commerce.