Area woman named No. 1 philanthropist Johanna...

Area woman named No. 1 philanthropist

Johanna Bracken, president of Costa Mesa direct marketing firm

Rauxa Direct, was named “Philanthropist of the Year” last week by the

Greater Long Beach chapter of the American Red Cross

Bracken, who serves on the charity’s board of directors, was one

of the chapter’s leading donors in 2004, chapter chief executive

Nancy Kindelan said.

Bracken has enlisted Rauxa employees to aid Red Cross efforts. In

December, Rauxa staffers were the largest supporters of a drive to

collect socks for the homeless by donating 568 pairs. The company

also sponsored the 2004 Red Cross Youth Holiday Party.

Employees are also engaged in tsunami relief efforts and Donate a

Phone, an endeavor to collect used cellphones to raise money for the

Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services Fund, which enables

military members stationed overseas to keep in touch with their

families.

Newport company hires Marlene Puffer

The Newport Beach-based Pacific Investment Management Co. has

hired Marlene Puffer as vice president of the company’s Canadian

operations.

Puffer’s last job was vice president, portfolio manager and

co-head of fixed income for Legg Mason Canada. The Pacific Investment

Management Co. specializes in business with clients on a fixed

income.

Puffer earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University

of Toronto. She holds a doctorate from the University of Rochester.