Former TV exec new COO at Tucker/Hall

TAMPA -- A longtime television news director will be tasked to produce something a little different: chief operating officer of Tucker/Hall.

Darren Richards is the new COO of the Tampa-based public relations and public affairs firm, after spending the last six years in the company's crisis practice group. In his new role, Richards will continue his daily work with clients, according to a release, but also assume more firm management duties as well as planning Tucker/Hall's overall strategic direction.

Bill Carlson, the longtime president of Tucker/Hall, will remain in his position. Founders Jeff Tucker and Tom Hall both continue as active shareholders, helping to develop business for the agency.

Richards is likely best known locally as the one-time news director for WTSP-Channel 10 in St. Petersburg. He also was a news executive at television stations in Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Phoenix and Denver.

He joined Tucker/Hall in 2009 after 23 years in the television business, and was a vice president and shareholder.

Richards picked up his journalism degree from the University of Kansas.