PubCom welcomes new public relations director

July 18, 2011

Tom Krattenmaker, associate vice president for public affairs and communications, announced the selection of Lise Harwin as the new director of public relations for Lewis & Clark. Harwin, who currently serves as director of communications and marketing for the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter, will begin August 1.

“Lise is sure to be an engaging and energetic representative of Lewis & Clark, applying her experience in media relations and strategic communications to increase the visibility of our faculty, students, and programs,” Krattenmaker said. “Her embrace of dynamic storytelling methods will make her an invaluable contributor to our efforts to place Lewis & Clark on the national stage.”

In her work at the Oregon Red Cross, Harwin has focused on all of the organization’s external communications: from Twitter to TV, web to print. She has become a national expert on the savvy use of social media, speaking at local and national conferences and seeking creative ways to use new tools to engage diverse audiences.

Prior to her position at the Oregon Red Cross, Harwin worked with Legacy Health System, where she developed relationships with journalists throughout the city, state, and region. In both positions, Harwin worked under tight deadlines and handled urgent communications with skill and poise.

“Though our search attracted many strong candidates from across the country, our campus search committee felt that Lise was uniquely qualified to join the Lewis & Clark community and represent us in the media, in the community, on the web, and in social media,” Krattenmaker said.

A native Oregonian, Harwin grew up in southwest Portland just blocks from campus. She earned a bachelor’s degree in writing and literature from the University of Michigan, where she participated in an undergraduate residential community akin to the close-knit environment of a small, liberal arts college.

“I’ve always considered myself to be a life-long learner and have continued to take classes throughout my career,” said Harwin. “Now I’m thrilled to be in a position where I can share that passion for knowledge and inspire new audiences to build relationships with this remarkable institution.”

A lover of all things fashion, art, music, and design, Harwin is excited to work in the creative, cultural atmosphere that Lewis & Clark provides.