New Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Dear Wheaton community,

I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Suzi Robinson, a strategic marketing leader with expertise in brand development, digital strategy, communications and community advocacy, as Wheaton’s new Vice President for Marketing and Communications. She will join the college on March 20.

Suzi comes to Wheaton from Year Up, a national nonprofit that seeks to close the “opportunity divide” through career education that connects young adults to top employers, where she led brand, communications and innovation marketing. During her tenure there, Suzi helped the organization expand its market footprint, launching new programs in Austin, TX., and Detroit, MI., as well as developing new community college partnerships in several major cities.

Among an exceptionally talented group of finalists who visited campus, Suzi stood out for her sharp insights into Wheaton’s strengths and opportunities, as well as her breadth of experience in guiding other organizations to grow strategically and sharpen their brand image. She has worked for and with many organizations, from local nonprofits to well-known brands, such as Au Bon Pain, Stop & Shop and Embrace Home Loans. Everyone who met with her remarked upon the breadth and depth of her knowledge and experience.

In addition to her professional career, Suzi also is active in community service. She served as co-president of Diversity and Inclusion for Community Empowerment (DICE), a nonprofit promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in public schools. She currently serves as Councilor at Large for the Town of Bridgewater, and is a former member of the town’s Finance Committee. She also has served on several community boards, including the Hockomock Area YMCA, the East Bridgewater YMCA, and the R.I.S.E. Women’s Leadership Conference.

I want to thank everyone who participated in the search process, including the entire division of marketing and communication, and especially the members of the search committee for their energy, commitment, and care in completing this important search successfully. They are committee chair Roger Stackpoole, vice president for Finance and Operations; and members Trustee Ryan Letada ’08; Anice Rodrigues Barbosa, senior director of digital marketing; Leonard Breton, director of the centers for Social Justice & Community Impact and Religious & Spiritual Life; Walter Caffey, vice president for Enrollment and Dean of Admission and Student Aid; Merritt Crowley, vice president for College Advancement; Will Mason, associate professor of Music; Sabrina Speights, assistant professor of Business and Management; Alan Wickström, director of Athletics Communications; and Omaira Roy, associate vice president of Human Resources.

Best,
Michaele Whelan, president