August 30, 2021

Update from Public Affairs and Communications

This week, the Office of Public Affairs and Communications (PubCom) is welcoming two employees and saying a fond farewell to two others. 

This week, the Office of Public Affairs and Communications (PubCom) is welcoming two employees and saying a fond farewell to two others.

Departures: Roy Kaufmann and Joe Becker

Roy Kaufmann Roy KaufmannAfter six-and-a-half years at Lewis & Clark, Director of Public Relations Roy Kaufmann has accepted a position at Meyer Memorial Trust.

“I truly am excited to serve as Meyer’s new director of communications,” Kaufmann said. “At the same time, I will miss working with and alongside each and every one of you, whom I consider friends as much as colleagues.”

Kaufmann’s last day at Lewis & Clark is September 2.

A search committee is in the process of conducting interviews for a new associate vice president for Public Affairs and Communications after Joe Becker’s departure earlier this month. Director of Marketing Stacey Kim will serve as interim AVP of Marketing until that job is filled.

Arrivals: Devan Freeman and Lois Davis

Devan Freeman Devan FreemanOn September 1, Devan Freeman will be joining PubCom as the new digital media manager.

Freeman has experience working in the marketing agency world, most recently at One Edge Media where she has been a social media strategist working with up to 25 clients on 60 individual social accounts. In that role, she has, among other things, created daily content, reviewed analytics, and communicated with clients on their goals and progress. Freeman is a 2020 graduate of the University of Portland with a degree in biology.

“Her love of connecting with prospective students and their families came through loud and clear during her interview, and her time as an admissions student ambassador and social media intern showed us the direct higher education experience we were looking for,” Associate Director of Marketing Caitlin Peel said. “I think she’ll be a great addition to our team.”

Lois Davis Lois DavisLast week, PubCom welcomed Interim AVP of Public Relations Lois Davis. Davis was the vice president for public affairs and chief of staff at Portland State University (PSU) from 2009–19. Prior to PSU, Lois spent 22 years at Oregon Health and Science University, first as director of government relations, then as director of corporate relations, and ultimately as vice president for public affairs from 2000–09. Before OHSU, Lois served as press secretary and then chief of staff to Representative Ron Wyden. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Oregon.

“I feel fortunate to have Lois able to step in to help fill this gap,” Vice President, Chief of Staff, General Counsel, and Board Secretary Dave Reese said. “She will focus on providing strategic communications assistance to the college, supporting the communications needs of the president and the executive council, overseeing crisis communications and assistance with issues management, and media relations.”