Hamrick, formerly director of government relations for PCAOB since 2003, will be responsible for the board's overall external relations program, which informs and seeks feedback from investors, auditors, policymakers and other interested parties about PCAOB activities.

Now in its fifth year of operation, the board will aim to broaden its communications with investors of all types, as well as the Congress and other government representatives, the business community and the audit firms it supervises.

"Mary Moore Hamrick joined the PCAOB in Year One and has a rich understanding of the organization, its brief history, purpose, and potential.  I have complete confidence that she will clearly communicate the PCAOB's message to our many stakeholders and keep us well informed," said PCAOB Chairman Mark Olson.

The Offices of Public Affairs and Government Relations now are consolidated under the Office of External Relations and report to Hamrick. To head those offices, the PCAOB also announced that two new deputy directors have joined the board:  Colleen Brennan, deputy director of public affairs, and Kent Bonham, deputy director of government relations.