Kane, who brings more than 25 years of experience in communications, public affairs, and marketing, begins the role on November 20.
University of Rochester President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf announced that Erin Martin Kane, who currently serves as associate vice president for marketing communications and donor engagement in University Advancement, has been appointed interim vice president for communications, effective November 20. She succeeds Elizabeth Stauderman, who is stepping down in December.
In the interim role, Kane will provide leadership for the Office of University Communications, overseeing all aspects of communications and messaging to the University’s major constituencies, including faculty, staff, and students; prospective students and their parents; and the Rochester community. She will also serve as senior communications advisor to the president, the provost, academic leaders, and other University officers and will join the president’s senior leadership group for the duration of her appointment.
Kane brings more than 25 years of experience in communications, marketing, and public affairs to the interim role, including work in higher education and public broadcasting. For the past seven years she has led the teams in Advancement responsible for marketing communications, donor special events, and stewardship. Her many notable accomplishments include launching Buzz, a new lifestyle magazine designed to engage alumni and friends; reimagining the marketing for Meliora Weekend; and implementing The Rochester Effect, a mini-branding campaign focused on powerful stories of Rochester faculty, students, and alumni. She was also instrumental in guiding the communications and donor recognition for the conclusion of the Meliora Challenge Campaign.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Erin serve in this interim role,” says Mangelsdorf. “This offers adequate time for a seamless transition of leadership as Elizabeth Stauderman concludes her service to the University at the end of the calendar year. I am incredibly grateful to the talented staff of University Communications for their continued commitment to the essential work of the department during this interim time.”
The University is preparing to launch a nationwide search for the vice president for marketing and communications position.
