WASHINGTON: SKDKnickerbocker hired Doug Thornell and Anna Beth Gall in the firm's public affairs practice. Thornell, most recently director of communications for Representative Chris Van Hollen, was named SVP. Gall joins SKDK as VP. She is a former director for DCI Group. Both Thornell and Gall report to the firm's MDs, who include Anita Dunn, Alex Slater, and Hilary Rosen.