Strategic Relations and Communications (SRC) announced Candace Smith as its new associate vice chancellor for strategic communications, filling a key leadership position that had been vacant since July of 2019.听 Smith has been serving as the assistant vice chancellor of strategic media relations since August of 2017.听听
Smith oversees efforts to advance CU Boulder鈥檚 reputation by gaining recognition of the research, work and achievements of its students, faculty and staff while managing crisis communications, executive and internal communications for the CU Boulder campus.
鈥淐andace brings decades of experience to CU Boulder and plays a key role as a leader in our communications efforts,鈥� said Jon Leslie, senior associate vice chancellor of strategic communications. 鈥淚n her short time at CU Boulder, and under extremely challenging circumstances, she has substantially increased media coverage, adeptly managed crisis communications, improved operations and elevated the profile of the campus.鈥澨�
In her role, Smith manages executive and strategic communications, media relations, issues and crisis communications, major campus announcements and media partnerships for CU Boulder.听
In support of the move, SRC also appointed Melanie Marquez Parra as director of communications and chief spokesperson. It is shifting other staff roles to deepen support for key strategic communications needs for COVID-19, diversity and inclusion, Academic Affairs and Strategic Resources and Support priorities.听听听
Smith previously worked in communications positions in Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey and North Dakota, specifically in the fields of higher education, public transportation and journalism.听
Other achievements at CU Boulder include leading teams that won several 2019 Public Relations Society of America Colorado awards; partnering with national and local news organizations; and securing the hosting of the 2021 National Association of Science Writers Conference at CU Boulder in partnership with the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.
鈥淚 am thrilled to have the opportunity to highlight the tremendous faculty, staff and students at CU Boulder and further raise our visibility in Colorado, across the country and around the world,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚 am grateful I get to work with Jon and an outstanding team鈥攂oth within SRC and across our campus and system鈥搕o showcase all that CU Boulder has to offer.鈥�
Candace Smith
Melanie Marquez Parra
