Brett Walsh (Image provided)
Brett Walsh has been appointed as SUNY Geneseo’s chief communications and marketing officer (CCMO), effective August 13.
Walsh brings more than 17 years of progressive leadership experience in communications and marketing at the regional, state, and national levels. Most recently, Walsh served as the director of communications and public relations for Rochester Regional Health in Rochester, NY. As director, he led executive, change and crisis communications, public relations, and supported a brand re-launch for an expansive regional healthcare system during a time of dramatic change.
Prior to leading Rochester Regional Health’s communications team, Walsh served as an emergency management specialist and external affairs officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), acting as a spokesperson and executive communications advisor, leading press briefings, shaping leadership communications, and managing congressional and intergovernmental affairs during multiple federally declared disasters in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. This critical national service followed nearly 10 years of public service with Monroe County in the executive and legislative branches during which he directed communications, legislative strategy, policy development, and public messaging on wide-ranging community priorities and government operations.
Throughout the search process, Walsh distinguished himself as a thoughtful and strategic communicator with a strong commitment to building relationships and engaging diverse audiences. During his campus visit, he connected meaningfully with campus constituents and shared a compelling vision for strengthening Geneseo’s communication and marketing efforts in support of our institutional priorities.
“I am confident Brett can help drive a reimagined communications strategy for New York’s Public Honors College,” says SUNY Geneseo President Melinda Treadwell. “Geneseo is an exceptional, distinctive institution, and our future depends upon sharp messaging and elevation of our visibility with new audiences. Brett’s approach is disarming and authentic, and I believe our future is even brighter with his instinct and energy driving our marketing and communications strategy forward.”
“What drew me to Geneseo is its belief that excellence and opportunity belong together,” Walsh says. “As New York’s Public Honors College, Geneseo demonstrates that academic rigor and broad opportunity can go hand in hand. I’m honored to join this remarkable community and look forward to helping more people discover what makes Geneseo such a special place.”
Walsh holds a bachelor’s in communication from Roberts Wesleyan University, a master’s in strategic communications from Regent University, and is completing an MBA at Eastern University. Walsh is also an instructor with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Author
Wendi Kinney
Chief of Staff