NASCAR announced several personnel moves within its Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) department, including the hiring of Tom Bryant, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran, to a new position of Director, Touring and Weekly Communications.

Bryant is a recently retired Lt. Colonel, who completed his service after a decorated career in the Infantry and Special Operations. He most recently served as director of public relations for the U.S. Special Operations Command in Kabul, Afghanistan.

“Tom brings a wealth of communications experience under a variety of different environments to NASCAR,” said Brett Jewkes, NASCAR chief communications officer. “He grew up around short tracks and has a life-long passion for racing. As we increase our focus on the grassroots racing programs that are so instrumental to developing the next generation of drivers and fans, securing a leader for this position was our top offseason priority. Given NASCAR’s long-standing commitment to the U.S. military, we’re proud to add Tom to our team.”

Bryant, an Alabama native, officially begins March 3 and will be based out of the Daytona Beach, Fla., office. He will report to David Higdon, managing director, integrated marketing communications, and work closely with George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president of touring and weekly series, as well as a number of other NASCAR executives whose business units directly are impacted by the touring and weekly series.

Prior to his most recent service in Afghanistan, Bryant held the following positions with the U.S. Army:
• 2010-2012 – Director of Public Relations, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
• 2008-2010 – Director of American Forces Network South, Vicenza, Italy
• 2006-2008 – Chief of Media Relations and Public Information, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York
• 2004-2006 – Director of Public Relations, 101st Airborne, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky
• Prior to 2004 – Infantry Officer, U.S. Army

In addition, NASCAR announced the hiring of Adé Herbert as coordinator, Fan and Media Engagement Center. A graduate of Fordham University in New York who served in the U.S. Navy from 1993-97, Herbert participated in the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program and worked with Rev Racing for three years on its marketing and public relations initiatives. Herbert will be based in NASCAR’s Charlotte, N.C., office.

NASCAR also made several Integrated Marketing Communications promotions heading into the 2014 season:
• Kurt Culbert has been promoted to senior director, stakeholder communications
• Jayme Avrit has been promoted to senior manager, stakeholder communications
• Matt Nordby has been promoted to senior manager, broadcast and entertainment communications
• Alex Moore has been promoted to senior coordinator, content communications

NASCAR’s 2014 season begins Saturday with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ Sprint Unlimited annual non-points event at Daytona International Speedway. Sunday will feature Coors Light Pole qualifying for the Daytona 500, also at the “World Center of Racing,” along with the kickoff of the touring series season featuring the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East opener at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway.

For more information on the NASCAR touring and weekly series, visit NASCARHomeTracks.com and follow on Facebook.com/NASCARHomeTracks and Twitter: @NASCARHomeTrack.