Research in Motion has hired Republican Jason Scism to fill the slot vacated by Democrat Brian Peters, who went to Franklin Square Group. Scism joins RIM from the office of Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.).

Nick Tzitzon, government policy advisor at Dykema Gossett PLLC, is leaving. He is a former chief of staff at the Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice; and former deputy director of intergovernmental affairs at the Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

The Mortgage Bankers Association has snagged Bill Killmer as its senior vice president of legislative and political affairs. Killmer, who will start on July 5, spent the past 20 years with the National Association of Home Builders, ending his tenure there as executive vice president for advocacy.

Covington & Burling has hired Capitol Hill veteran Muftiah McCartin as special counsel in the law firm’s government affairs practice in Washington. McCartin had most recently been staff director of the House Rules Committee and, earlier, on the staff of the House Appropriations Committee.

Alan Reuther, the top lobbyist for the United Auto Workers, is stepping down, his office confirmed Tuesday.