Local communicators join UA to direct its enhanced marketing and communications initiatives

The University of Akron has announced the appointments of two well-known communications and marketing professionals to its senior leadership team, bringing with them more than 60 years of communications, media, marketing and advertising experience to the University's marketing and communications staff:

• Wayne Hill joins the University as Associate Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer
• Eileen Korey joins the University as Associate Vice President/Chief Communications Officer

"For the past decade, we have invested in our campus, students, faculty and community," said Dr. Luis M. Proenza, president of The University of Akron. "We have built new research centers and established innovative partnerships with companies, hospitals, foundations, and other colleges and universities. As the University of Akron continues to distinguish itself and moves into its next decade of accomplishments, our faculty, students, staff and alumni deserve the recognition they have earned. Thus, it is time to tell our story more broadly, to take bold actions to secure our future and take a giant leap forward. That is why Wayne Hill and Eileen Korey are here."

Following a nationwide search in which dozens of candidates were considered, with finalists interviewed by faculty, deans and staff, Proenza announced the appointments to the campus today. Korey and Hill begin their new duties with the current marketing and communications team on Monday, Nov. 14.

Eileen Korey

Eileen Korey has extensive experience working as a communications counsel and project manager for private, nonprofit and public organizations. She led communications at two Cleveland-based academic medical centers, serving as vice president of communications at MetroHealth Medical Center (2004-2011) and director of communications at University Hospitals (1994-2004).

Prior to that, Korey had a distinguished career in broadcast and print journalism and was inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame by the Press Club of Cleveland in 2010, in recognition of her work as a business and medical reporter, for which she earned six Emmy Awards during her television career.

She currently serves on the boards of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Northeast Ohio Affiliate, Anti-Defamation League of Cleveland and the Cleveland Jewish News. She is a member of the marketing committees for In Counsel With Women and The Union Club.

A cum laude graduate of Princeton University, she and her husband Robert G. Kaplan, a clinical and forensic psychologist, reside in Lakewood.

Wayne Hill

Wayne Hill has more than 40 years of professional communications experience in both the public and private sectors. He spent nearly 20 years with Edward Howard, one of the region's leading public relations firms, serving as president from 2001 to the firm's sale to Fahlgren Mortine in 2010. His work on behalf of a wide range of clients has earned numerous professional awards, including three Silver Anvils from the Public Relations Society of America in the areas of both public affairs and internal communications.

Hill serves as chair of the board of directors for both the Cleveland Foodbank and the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. A graduate of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2003, he also is a member of the Executive Committee for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and the Board of Trustees for the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross.

A graduate of Hiram College, Hill and Kathleen Obert reside in Brecksville.