New VP for University Communication Named
The University of Miami has selected Jacqueline R. Menendez, A.B. '83, currently the Village Manager of Key Biscayne, as its new Vice President for University Communications. Menendez, who received a broadcast journalism degree from UM, will assume her new post on June 18.
“Jackie Menendez has worked in a number of different capacities addressing communications issues in her career, starting as a news reporter, a County spokesperson, and serving as a senior administrator in local government agencies managing community and crisis management issues,” said Sergio M. Gonzalez, Vice President for University Advancement, which University Communications is part of. “Her alma mater welcomes her back.”
Among her responsibilities at UM, Menendez will oversee the University’s communications efforts which include media relations, marketing and community relations. Her division is responsible for advancing the communication of the University’s mission as well as its reputation and identity as a leading academic and research institution. The office has received numerous awards for its publications and has kept UM in the spotlight via international news stories it promotes.
Under Menendez’s leadership, Key Biscayne has been celebrated as a prototype among other small municipalities on how government should function. As Village Manager, she has been responsible for overseeing a workforce of 120 employees, an operating budget of $20 million and a capital inventory of $60 million for the community of 11,000 residents.
Menendez, who was selected among the 40 Most Influential Hispanic Women in the U.S. by Vanidades magazine, resides in Key Biscayne with her husband and two sons.
