Following a national search, Amon Rappaport has been appointed as Cal Poly Pomona’s senior associate vice president for strategic communications and chief communications officer, effective July 20.
Following a comprehensive assessment of the university’s communications infrastructure last spring, the Strategic Communications Department has been moved to the Office of the President and will report to Chief of Staff Nicole Hawkes. The move will allow the office to better promote the university’s priorities and strategic goals.
Rappaport will provide strategic direction over all aspects of the university’s communications efforts, including marketing, advertising, media relations and executive communications. He will oversee the advancement of the university’s brand and narrative with regards to the significant education, scholarship, research and public service offered by Cal Poly Pomona. Acting as the senior spokesperson for the campus to news media, Rappaport will also oversee crisis and emergency communications, and serve as a member of the president’s cabinet.
Rappaport brings more than 20 years of experience in senior marketing and communications roles to this position, with a particularly distinguished record of working with purpose-driven organizations involved in serving youth, public health and social justice.
In prior executive roles, he launched White House campaigns for President Barack Obama to help “opportunity youth” access jobs and education, and for President Bill Clinton to reduce teen drinking and alcohol use.
An expert in brand building and social marketing, his resume also includes successful campaigns with community colleges in the San Diego region, Best Buy’s philanthropic work preparing underserved youth for careers in technology, and the nationally recognized anti-tobacco “truth” campaign.
The Strategic Communications Department supports major university initiatives; serves as the university’s main newsroom; publishes CPP Magazine, Bronco Digital Magazine and several email newsletters; handles media relations; manages the university brand; and runs the university’s central social media accounts.