Executive Team

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

Nancy Buffone leads the Office of Community Relations and University Events, overseeing major events like commencement, negotiating with local government officials, and nurturing off-campus partnerships. 

Natalie Blais oversees state and federal government relations for the campus.

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

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

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

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

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