USask announces incoming chief communications officer and associate vice-president
Heather Persson will join the President’s Office and the University Relations leadership team at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) as Chief Communications Officer and Associate Vice-President, Strategic Communications (CCO/AVP) on July 18, 2022.
Having joined USask in early 2021 as director of research profile and impact, Persson stepped into the role of interim chief communications officer in March of 2022, bringing a wide-ranging experience in campus-wide communications, leadership and vision to support and advance the institutional reputation of one of Canada’s top 15 research universities.
Prior to joining USask, Persson held several leadership roles, including editor-in-chief and managing editor of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader Post. She holds an undergraduate degree in communications and master’s degree in administration.
“Through my career I have witnessed the power stories have to effect change,” she said. “At USask, we have an important story to tell about how our students, scholars and researchers are making a difference in our community, our province, our country and the planet. It’s an honour and privilege to lead our work to ensure the world knows about our efforts to become the university the world needs.”
As CCO/AVP, Persson will work closely and collaboratively with campus leadership to develop and oversee an integrated, strategic, and contemporary institutional communications strategy, ensuring the coordination of communication frameworks to ensure innovation and consistency in the university’s key messages, marketing and core values.