Introducing New Leaders in Communications and Emergency Management

Dear colleagues,

This summer, we have made steady progress during these challenging times by building an innovative college structure and appointing outstanding new leaders in key areas essential to achieving the goals and priorities of Extraordinary Emerson 2030. Today, I want to introduce you to two new leaders who will be key to our priority of operational excellence. 

Marketing and Communications

I am pleased to announce that Kelly Devers Franklin, an Emerson alum and accomplished communications professional, will join us this month as our new Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Kelly’s first priority will be to oversee the reorganization and streamlining of Emerson’s Marketing and Communications functions to bring significant improvements to this area. Our updated organizational structure will ensure excellence in media and public relations, digital and social media, institutional and internal communications, and marketing and branding. Kelly and her team will also focus on providing faculty and staff with better tools to promote their work and on strengthening and coordinating internal and institutional communications to keep our community connected across Emerson.

Throughout her career, Kelly has served as a trusted advisor to leaders and teams across public and private companies, local governments, and top-tier academic institutions. She has guided corporate and crisis communications, media and public relations, internal and external stakeholder communications, as well as brand, digital, and social media strategies. Kelly held senior communications roles at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, New York University, and the NYC Department of Education. She has worked with business, nonprofit, and education clients through Robinson, Lerer, and Montgomery (now FGS Global), Westhill Partners (now part of FTI Consulting), and, most recently, as a partner in the Boston office of Seven Letter, a communications and bipartisan public affairs firm. She has extensive experience helping organizations navigate periods of change and transformation, including reorganizations and expansions, making her well-equipped to help us achieve our strategic priorities and goals to enhance Emerson’s branding, positioning, marketing, media presence, and stakeholder engagement. 

Kelly will lead a team that helps us tell the Emerson story more effectively both internally and externally, bringing us closer together and expanding our reach and impact. Her team will proactively seek out and promote stories that highlight your exceptional work and showcase our strengths. Our goal is to achieve the level of excellence in communications, marketing, and media expected of a global leader in communication and arts education.

Emergency Management

Emergency preparedness is more crucial than ever in these uncertain times. I am pleased to announce that Matt Matheis has joined Emerson College as the Director of Emergency Management in the Office of the General Counsel under Vice President Carolina Avellaneda. Matt has held leadership positions at the University of Kansas, Mid-America Regional Council, and Denver International Airport. He brings twenty years of experience in emergency management, public health, aviation, and higher education that will be vital as we continue to enhance the College’s preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

Recently, Matt led system-wide emergency planning, training, and hazard mitigation efforts at the University of Kansas. He has collaborated with diverse stakeholders as a leader at the Mid-America Regional Council and Denver International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country. Matt earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado. He is a Certified Emergency Manager and holds additional credentials in emergency planning and preparedness.

Matt’s extensive background in continuity planning, risk assessment, and system-wide emergency training will be essential in enhancing Emerson’s emergency management operations. 

Please join me in warmly welcoming Kelly back to Emerson and in welcoming Matt to the Emerson community!

Sincerely,

Jay Bernhardt
President