Barrett Business Services Inc. (NASD: BBSI) promoted Heather Gould to the newly created position of VP and chief strategy officer, effective Jan. 6.

Gould will lead the development of Barrett’s strategic initiatives. Areas of focus include culture, research and development, leadership development and succession, communication, structure and business process, and the expansion of external relationships.

Gould joined Barrett in 2012 and served as director of marketing for three years. She previously had a 17-year career in advertising, brand strategy and marketing with multiple creative agencies. During this time, she led and collaborated on business-to-business and consumer-facing initiatives for clients such as Apple, Intel, HP, Kaiser Permanente, Mitsubishi Motors, Volkswagen and the National Australia Bank.

“Over the past five years, Heather has continuously demonstrated the ability to maintain a 360-degree view of the business and to develop and drive critical initiatives,” said President and CEO Michael Elich. “Our organization values her leadership, her critical thinking, and her ability to connect our teams around our vision and long-term growth opportunities.”

The company works with more than 4,500 clients across all lines of business in 23 states

Barrett underwent a restatement of earnings following the termination of its CFO in March of 2016, after the executive told the company’s audit committee that unsupported journal entries were made in 2013. The company in July regained compliance with Nasdaq listing standards and appointed Gary Kramer as its new CFO, effective in August.