SUNY Oswego names Westervelt chief communication officer

OSWEGO, N.Y. — SUNY Oswego has hired Wayne Westervelt as its new chief communication officer.

He replaces Julie Harrison Blissert, who retired earlier this summer after more than 30 years at the university.

Westervelt brings 20 years of experience in the fields of marketing, communications, media, and public relations, including the past 18 years in supervisory roles at Syracuse University, Cazenovia College, and in the public sector as a communications/public information manager for the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board. 

“I am very pleased to welcome Wayne’s leadership in this important position,” SUNY Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley said in a news release. “He is often recognized by his colleagues as a strong team builder, seasoned communicator and innovative professional.”

In Westervelt’s most recent role, as director of communications and media for the Institute for Veteran and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, he reported to the vice chancellor as a member of the IVMF leadership team. His responsibilities included leading the national marketing and promotion efforts to tell the story of the institute and its mission to advance the post-service lives of America’s service members, veterans, and their families. 

Before that, Westervelt spent more than a decade at Cazenovia College, ending his tenure as VP for marketing and communications and as a member of the president’s leadership team, according to the release.

He will begin his new position at SUNY Oswego on Sept. 8.

Westervelt earned his master’s degree in public administration from the Maxwell School of Public Affairs at Syracuse University and his bachelor’s degree in English/communications from Le Moyne College.

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