WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Key Technology on Aug. 29 welcomed Shayla Wentz as its marketing communications manager, where she will lead advertising and public relations initiatives, manage tradeshow exhibits and other marketing responsibilities to build awareness for the company.

“We’re very excited to have Shayla take the lead to plan and manage our marketing and communications activities. She’s been working closely with Anita Funk in our marketing department for nine years and has been involved in virtually every aspect of our communications program over that time,” said Daniel J Leighty, senior director of global sales operations at Key. “Shayla’s experience with our technologies and the industries we serve, along with her marketing skillset, make her the perfect person to assume this leadership position as Anita retires. Shayla has seamlessly stepped into her new role.”

Wentz has worked at Key Technologies since 2010 as a marketing specialist, most recently holding the title of senior marketing automation specialist. She has seen the company through its merger with Key in 2013, a company rebranding, and the launch of new digital sorters in 2015.

“Key is a world-class company that has successfully grown by developing innovative processing solutions that help our customers improve their product quality and operational efficiencies,” said Wentz. “I am thrilled to be taking on this broader role at Key and look forward to working with our partners and sales team to promote our products.”

Wentz earned her bachelor’s in communication with an emphasis in advertising from Washington State University.

Key Technology is a member of the Duravant family of operating companies, which is a global equipment engineering company based in Downers Grove, Illinois. The subsidiary operates two production facilities in the US, in Walla Walla and Redmond, Oregon, as well as plants in Beusichem, the Netherlands and Hasselt, Belgium.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.