The University of Colorado at Boulder has begun a national search for a new executive director of university communications, a position vacated in early July by the departure of Bobbi Barrow who left the university to join Denver Health.
Ric Porreca, senior vice chancellor and chief financial officer at CU-Boulder, has been named chair of the search committee. Porreca said the campus is in the process of selecting members to serve on the search committee, which will begin work immediately. He expects a new executive director will be named during the fall semester.
During the search process, Pauline Hale, former director of public relations at CU-Boulder, will serve as campus spokesperson on an interim basis. Hale, who directed CU-Boulder's public relations program for 16 years, will report to the chancellor and work closely with the news services staff in representing the Boulder campus.
Chancellor Richard L. Byyny said, "I appreciate Pauline's willingness to help out as we begin the new academic year, a traditionally busy time of the year for the campus. Her long-time service to CU-Boulder will be a valuable resource during this transition period."
For the permanent position, Porreca said the campus will be seeking an experienced professional with strong skills in planning and implementing integrated communications programs, among other qualities and experience.
The executive director is responsible for managing an integrated communications program that includes publications, media relations, marketing, community relations, internal communications, campus legislative communications, statewide outreach, support for fund raising and special events.
"We anticipate this search will garner significant national interest among communications professionals," Porreca said. "CU-Boulder is a dynamic institution engaged in many innovative programs of national prominence. The Boulder campus possesses enormous potential for establishing itself among the top tier of research universities and our communications program plays an important role in that effort."
Under Barrow's leadership, CU-Boulder's communications programs were integrated and consolidated to better serve the campus's many constituencies. In recent years, the Boulder campus has achieved heightened regional and national visibility for its teaching, research and public service.