Mar. 2—The University of Colorado on Thursday announced that it has named Jeff Howard vice president for communication.

Howard will oversee communication initiatives in the Office of the President and work with the University of Colorado Board of Regents, according to a news release from the university. Howard will also collaborate with communication leaders on the four campuses and the CU Foundation. He begins the role March 21.

"We're thrilled to have Jeff bring his significant communications expertise, deep Colorado roots and passion for higher education to CU," said CU President Todd Saliman in the news release. "He will be a great asset as we continue to advance the narrative of how CU changes lives and adds substantial value to our state and beyond."

Howard spent the past eight years as managing partner at Gomez Howard Group, a Colorado communication and public relations firm, the release said. He has held communication leadership positions with complex national organizations, including the NCAA and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. He also spent about a decade in communication and external engagement positions at the University of Denver. He started his career in communications with the Denver Broncos before joining Denver's KWGN as a producer and reporter.

Howard earned a bachelor's degree in Sports Information and Reporting from Metropolitan State University of Denver and an executive master's in sport organization management from Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 in France. He has been an adjunct faculty member at MSUD and the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver.

"I look forward to working with President Saliman, his team, the Board of Regents and colleagues across the CU system as we advocate for and deliver on the positive mission of higher education," Howard said. "I'm excited by the chance to engage with the many constituents who care deeply about the university and the important work being done by students, faculty and staff at CU. I can't wait to get started uplifting the voices in our diverse community."

Howard replaces Ken McConnellogue, who has served as interim vice president for communication, since Michael Sandler resigned over the summer. Sandler, who began his duties as spokesperson for the university July 1, 2021, replaced McConnellogue.

The search process for the position yielded 120 candidates, the release said.