TO: All Employees
FR: Jerlena Griffin-Desta, Ph.D., Chief of Staff, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Diversity
It is my pleasure to announce that Jeffrey (Jeff) Keating is our newly appointed Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Strategic Communications, beginning August 7. After a national search, Jeff was chosen based on the depth, breadth, and character of his experience, most recently as Vice President, Community and Governmental Affairs at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona.
Jeff began his career as a Senior Editor with the Los Angeles Times, eventually moving into a Managing Editor role for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (circulation of 50,000) and then to Western University of Health Sciences as Chief of Staff and Director of Public Affairs. During his 15 years at Western University, Jeff had many responsibilities, including acting as chief spokesperson and writer for the President, developing and implementing a communication and marketing strategy for the University, establishing and managing the University brand, including oversight of the University website, and planning, design, and implementation of all digital and print marketing and information materials such as magazines, annual reports, brochures, and advertising. On the government relations side, Jeff established and implemented short- and long-range strategy, monitored legislative and policy issues that impacted higher education and the University, created advocacy materials and campaigns, and developed community relations strategies to maintain a strong town/gown relationship, among other responsibilities.
As Associate Vice President of Government Relations and Strategic Communications at SSU, reporting to the Chief of Staff, Jeff will serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) overseeing campus-wide and executive communications, as well as providing leadership and expertise on short- and long-range strategic goals and priorities for SSU concerning community and government relations. He will be responsible for important functions such as oversight of media relations, web communications, news services, executive and internal communications, branding, new and social media, government and political matters that may affect the university, and community relations and advocacy. He will promote a forward-thinking agenda that continues to build the University’s reputation and engage with different constituencies, including faculty, student government and staff organizations, executive leadership, community organizations, governmental representatives, and others that impact the University’s strategic priorities and success.
Jeff has a BS in Organizational Management from the University of La Verne and an MA in History from Arizona State University, providing him with strong critical thinking and management skills, along with his extensive experience in media and higher education administration. We are very excited for Jeff’s transition to the campus and ask you to join us in welcoming him to our Seawolf community!