Christine Sanni hired as VP for marketing and communications
Carthage has hired Christine Sanni, an accomplished leader with 20 years of experience at some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities, as its vice president for marketing and communications.
Ms. Sanni has excelled as vice president for communications and marketing at Tufts University in suburban Boston since 2015. Her higher education career also encompasses six years at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and three at Boston College.
“I am thrilled that Christine Sanni will be joining Carthage this spring. Her experience is exceptional, and her reputation stellar,” President Swallow said. “I am confident that Christine will help bring Carthage greater visibility and success in the years to come.”
Hired in 2007 at Tufts, her undergraduate alma mater, Ms. Sanni progressively earned higher levels of responsibility for her work in the advancement division. Promoted to the newly created vice presidency three years ago, she oversees the university-wide marketing and communications efforts.
In that position, she drafted and implemented Tufts’ first integrated communications and marketing plan, consolidated enrollment marketing for eight graduate and professional schools, developed strategies to boost fundraising, and strengthened the protocol for communications in crisis situations.
“I am delighted to join President Swallow and the faculty, staff, and students in upholding and promoting Carthage’s worthy mission through excellence in communications and marketing that builds the reputation of the College,” she said. “I look forward to putting my shoulder behind the wheel for Carthage!”
After a nationwide search coordinated by representatives from Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates, Carthage quickly identified Ms. Sanni as its top candidate.
“It was clear from the beginning of the search that her credentials, experience, and personality would be a wonderful fit for the College,” said Abigail Heinrichs, who led an internal search committee of administrators, faculty, and staff. “It was a pleasure to spend time with Christine throughout the search process, and we are excited to welcome her into the Carthage community.”
The new vice president succeeds Molly Polk, who left for the University of Hartford in August. Elizabeth Young, who has guided the Office of Communications through the transition, will be elevated to associate vice president for marketing and communications.
“In these last several months, Elizabeth has demonstrated an extraordinary range of abilities and unusual managerial acumen, all while providing advice and counsel as a vital member of the search committee for our new vice president,” President Swallow said. “She is clearly ready for additional responsibility as Christine comes on board, and I know she will continue to serve as a linchpin of our award-winning communications team.”
The seven-member search committee also consisted of:
- Nicholas Mulvey, vice president for enrollment
- Thomas Kline, vice president for institutional advancement
- Steve Janiak, director of creative services
- Bill Miller, associate provost for continuing studies
- Frank Hicks, professor of nursing
Ms. Sanni graduated summa cum laude from Tufts, a private university with about 11,000 total students, with a bachelor’s degree in English. She also holds a master’s degree in literature from the University of New Hampshire, one of two schools where she taught as an adjunct professor.
Beginning her career in the publishing industry, she worked with prominent authors such as John Kenneth Galbraith, Jane Goodall, and Clive Cussler. Ms. Sanni entered the higher education communications field in 1998.
Her PR campaigns have drawn valuable placements in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and People magazine. Ms. Sanni and her Harvard colleagues partnered with National Public Radio to broadcast live from campus.
She and her spouse have two children. A lifelong Massachusetts resident, Ms. Sanni eagerly awaits new adventures in Wisconsin.
Her tentative start date is April 30.