Hiring announcement: Media Relations Strategists

External Relations is pleased to announce the appointments of its portfolios new Media Relations Strategists:

Michael Brown
No stranger to working under tight deadlines, Mike draws on more than 15 years media relations and communications experience at the University of Alberta, as well as a background in editing, writing, and managing print media. His strong connections across the university and in the news media will continue to be an asset to External Relations under the Media Strategy portfolio. And though he’ll be missed on the Folio team, Mike won't be hanging up his byline altogether, with this new role encapsulating his noted abilities for quick and captivating storytelling.  

Ross Neitz
While coordinating media relations for the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry throughout the pandemic, Ross has played a key role in sharing University of Alberta expertise and research with a wide external audience over a period of intense demand. His proven practice of building relationships will be instrumental to the new Media Strategy Centre of Expertise, as will his years of experience in journalism, having covered stories across Western Canada as an award-winning reporter, producer, and assignment editor. 

Reporting to Jennifer Crosby, Director, Media Strategy, the Media Relations Strategists will work collaboratively with senior partners and partners in the colleges, faculties, and VP portfolios as well as colleagues in the Centres of Expertise and across campus to share the University of Alberta's story with external audiences, delivering timely and strategic media relations to position the university in support of institutional priorities.  

Mike begins his new role December 6, and Ross will join the team December 13.