Executive Team : University Relations : UMass Amherst

John Kennedy

Vice Chancellor for University Relations

John Kennedy leads all the teams under the umbrella of University Relations.

Nancy Buffone

Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations

Nancy Buffone is the leader of the Community Relations and University Events office.

Chris Dunn

Associate Vice Chancellor of Government Relations

Chris Dunn oversees state and federal government relations for the campus.

Emily Gest

Associate Vice Chancellor for News and Media Relations

Emily Gest oversee the university’s news office, which includes writers and editors, the Inside UMass campus newsletter, video production, and social media team.

Cara Jablonski

Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives

Cara Jablonski is responsible for organizing, leading, and executing priority projects and strategic initiatives for the Vice Chancellor for University Relations.

Debra Longo

Director of Executive Communications

Debra Longo serves as the primary writer for the chancellor and as the editorial liaison on collaborative written communications for the Office of the Chancellor.

Sue Lorow

Executive Director of Finance and Operations

Sue Lorow is responsible for all fiscal management, planning, and human resource functions in University Relations.

Samuel Masinter

Associate Vice Chancellor for Issues Management

Masinter’s role is to anticipate emerging issues and enable a timely, consistent, and structured response to university incidents and crises.

Lisa Ryan

Chief Marketing Officer

Lisa Ryan is the chief marketing officer in University Relations and leads the MarCom Group.

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University Relations

University Relations leads our campus in harnessing the resources and expertise of our broad portfolio in a coordinated and strategic way to ensure that the powerful message of the University of Massachusetts Amherst reaches all of our varied audiences, both internal and external.

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