After 16 years at Case Western Reserve, Vice President for Marketing and Communications Chris Sheridan announced today that she will be leaving the university later this month.
“It has been an absolute honor to work with such a talented and dedicated group to tell the stories of the people and accomplishments that make this institution such a special place,” Sheridan said. “But after so much time in this role—including the 2019 implementation of centralization—I believe that the marketing and communications team and broader university are best served by new leadership.”
Sheridan joined Case Western Reserve in 2007 as President Emerita Barbara R. Snyder’s chief of staff. Four years later, she assumed leadership of marketing and communications, focusing first on strengthening media relations and improving university publications.
Since the consolidation of marketing and communications functions four years ago, metrics for The Daily, social media followers, graduate enrollment marketing and media appearances have grown dramatically.
In the past fiscal year, for example, members of the university community appeared in national publications nearly 650 times, including roughly two dozen appearances each in The New York Times and The Washington Post. In March, 60 Minutes aired a segment highlighting biomedical engineering faculty efforts to restore movement and the sense of touch for those who have become paralyzed or lost a limb.
“I am grateful to Chris for her more than 16 years of dedicated service to Case Western Reserve University,” President Eric W. Kaler said. “She has been unwavering in her commitment to elevate marketing and communications throughout the university and has developed an excellent team, which will be among her legacies.”
President Kaler said the university will launch a national search for Sheridan’s successor later this semester.
In the interim, Katie Brancato, vice president, chief of staff and strategic advisor to the president, will oversee University Marketing and Communications in coordination with the department’s associate vice presidents, Bill Lubinger, Emily Mayock and Bob Rinderle. Mayock, associate vice president for strategic communications, also will assume the role of interim associate vice president for marketing and communications operations.