StratCom staff serve as a comprehensive resource for the university’s communication strategy and brand management. Our team includes event planners, web developers, writers, photographers, designers, marketers, videographers and more.
Kalee Ackerman serves as Associate Director of Marketing Operations, partnering with campus departments to develop and execute strategic marketing initiatives that support institutional goals and student engagement. She focuses on building and improving processes, workflows, and systems that keep marketing operations running efficiently and effectively. Outside of work, she spends much of her time as the family chauffeur, helping her children maintain active social lives, and enjoys tackling DIY home improvement projects whenever she gets the chance.
Alyssa Aiello is a software developer with a passion for creating accessible, intuitive user interfaces. Her background bridges both the technical and creative sides of software development allowing her to work across the full stack. As a two-time alumna (graphic design and computer science) of Illinois, Alyssa is a proud Illini. Outside of the office, she enjoys running, hiking with her dog, and trying new Pinterest recipes.
Gracyn is a two-time University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumna and assists in coordinating institutional events hosted by the Chancellor. She helps manage logistics and supports the successful delivery of events such as Commencement, New Student Convocation, and other large-scale advancement events. In her free time, Gracyn enjoys cheering on Illini sports, exploring new destinations, being an aunt to her nieces and nephew, and attending country music concerts!
Tracy Allison is the FOIA Officer and Communications Specialist at StratCom. She is an alumna of the University of Illinois and holds a master's degree in library and information science. She's an ambivert who loves seeing music live, sleeping, learning about the curiosities of the world and its people, and most everything about the 1970s.
Natalie Bak helps connect university professors to members of the media, ensuring their expertise and groundbreaking research are featured in outlets nationwide. Additionally, she compiles the top media hits featuring Illinois faculty and students, distributing them campus-wide. Outside of work, you can find her watching reality TV with her partner and cat.
Stacy Billman is responsible for assisting the Director of Analytics and Alignment with developing and documenting processes and systems for key office functions and success metric analysis. She also manages various team-based projects and provides support for the Chief Communications Officers community of practice. When she is not thinking about organizational efficiencies, Stacy can be found planning her next outdoor adventure, baking, scoping out live music preferably at dive bars, listening to music or podcasts, or getting some kind of movement in her day, usually all with her pug mix, Louie, by her side.
Kelly assists colleges and units across campus in developing their marketing and recruitment strategies. She is passionate about driving impactful campaigns and fostering meaningful connections. Kelly is a proud two-time alumna of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has special interests in online education, market research, and marketing analytics. When she's not immersed in data and strategy, you'll find her spending quality time with her family or diving into a good book.
Thomas Bruch is a writer and editor on the Messaging team, supporting internal communications and amplifying the stories that demonstrate the university’s stature as a world-class institution. He received a journalism degree at Illinois and reported for the Peoria Journal Star newspaper before taking on writing roles in higher education. Outside of work, Thomas enjoys running, reading, and playing volleyball. Number of times he has seen his favorite band, My Morning Jacket, in concert: 11 and counting.
Abrielle Bujack is a graphic designer who loves learning new skills and collaborating on meaningful design projects. She supports the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing and the Office of the Provost with any and all design needs. Outside of work, she can almost always be found reading with her cat, Osiris, by her side or at a bookstore buying more books. When she’s not reading, she also enjoys watching sports, playing video games and spending time with family.
Lance Campbell is the director of Web Services for Strategic Communications and Marketing, where he leads the team responsible for developing and supporting the university’s Webtools platform. His work focuses on building reliable, accessible, and efficient digital tools that help campus communicators create, manage, and deliver content across the university. Lance has spent more than two decades helping shape Webtools into a central resource for campus communication, including services such as Email+, Forms and Surveys, Directory, Calendar, Short URL, and related applications. He is especially interested in using emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence-assisted development, to improve workflows, strengthen service reliability, and help the team move faster while continuing to support the needs of campus partners. Outside of work, Lance enjoys collaborative storytelling and uses it as a creative outlet for writing stories, developing characters, and exploring new ideas.
Phil Ciciora is the business and law editor with the Illinois News Bureau. He writes and edits news releases that spotlight the innovative research and expertise in the Gies College of Business, College of Law and other units on the Urbana campus. Stories based on his releases have appeared in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The Atlantic and the Chicago Tribune, as well as on television and radio.
Allison Vance leads messaging for the university and assists with crisis communications. She supervises the institutional communications, media relations and News Bureau teams and manages the marketing and communications team for the Office of the Provost. She also teaches public relations courses in the department of advertising and is a proud two-time alumna (journalism and advertising) of the College of Media.
Andrea Darlas is an Emmy-nominated, award-winning radio and television news anchor/reporter and talk show host based in Chicago. She currently works with StratCom, the Office of the Chancellor and the Office of Advancement as a media liaison, promoting and advancing the U. of I. throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Andrea has served on the U. of I. College of Media’s National Alumni Board, the university’s Alumni Association and the Campus Alumni Advisory Boards. In 2019, she was inducted in the prestigious WGN Radio Walk of Fame and in 2023 she was inducted into the Illini Media Hall of Fame.
Taylor Dent is the social and digital strategist, assisting with the organic and paid digital campaigns for the university-level social media accounts. She enjoys telling colorful stories using multimedia. Outside of managing her small photography company, Taylor is an avid reader and loves snuggling her baby boy.
Maggie Evenson is the analytics coordinator on the Analytics and Alignment team of Strategic Communications and Marketing. She analyzes web analytics and shares reports to help StratCom teams make data-driven decisions. Maggie also shares her knowledge of Google Analytics and SEO across campus through trainings and unit consultations. Outside of work, Maggie is an avid gardener, jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, and postcard collector.
Sydney is an adept web developer who is passionate about building visually stunning and user-friendly websites that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. Her expertise in HTML, CSS and JavaScript, combined with her keen eye for design, allows her to create exceptional web experiences that balance aesthetics and intuitive functionality. When she's not coding, Sydney can often be found teaching her dog, Bebop, new tricks, pranking her husband or making a latte. Whether she's working on a complex web project or spending time with her friends and family, Sydney approaches everything she does with dedication, creativity and a deep sense of compassion.
Sharita Forrest is a research editor in the News Bureau who enjoys telling the Illinois story through engaging narratives about the discoveries of its educators, researchers and scholars.She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication and journalism, respectively, at Illinois and joined the News Bureau’s staff full-time in 2001. She has covered various campus units over the years but her beat currently includes communication; education; food science and human nutrition; recreation, sport and tourism; sociology; and social work. A lifelong bibliophile, she is a longtime trustee and officer on her local library board who also explores the roads less traveled on her motorcycle or can be found cuddling her rescue kitties and Yorkshire terrier.
Michelle Frazier is a lead brand designer who loves to collaborate with units across campus to develop the university brand. She does research, brand development, and execution and helps units across campus adhere to the university brand guidelines while still retaining their unique identity. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family — usually at a sporting event, cooking, or spending time in nature.
Andrew Gleason is a director, cinematographer, editor and producer who loves making movies. He leads a team that creates, produces and directs a variety of videos for both campus level communications as well as client requests from departments all over campus. In addition, Andrew helps to develop the Campus Video Database and the Campus Videographers. When he isn’t making movies, he is spending time sharing his love for stories, movies and books with his two children, Eva and Liam.
Deanna Harman assists with event design and implementation for institutional events hosted by the Chancellor, including Commencement, New Student Convocation, and other large-scale advancement events. When not at an event, she enjoys crafting, baking, and traveling to National Park sites.
Michelle Hassel is a photographer whose camera focuses on telling the Illinois story. She delights in capturing the incredible work happening across campus and highlighting the inspiring individuals who bring it to life. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Jonathan, and their adorable Westie, Molly. Living in Monticello, they can be found strolling the beautiful gardens of Allerton Park together and greeting every Fu Dog, and real dog, they pass.
Jodi Heckel is the arts and humanities editor for the News Bureau. She writes about the disciplines within the College of Fine and Applied Arts, as well as humanities, the University Library and the School of Information Sciences. When she’s not at work, she likes to spend time outdoors running, biking, swimming and sailing.
Stephanie Henry is a writer and editor who provides communications support and strategy for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. She has served as a communications and marketing professional at the university since 2013. When not at work, Stephanie enjoys spending time outside with her golden retriever, Murphy, gardening, and listening to live music (preferably outdoors).
Cory Holt is the Strategic Resource Coordinator who oversees Illinois in a Box, which provides Illinois themed items either free, for loan or at minimal cost to help units tell their Illinois stories. Cory has amassed a vast and useless knowledge of movie, movie quotes, music and all things ’80s.
As a Data Analyst, Jeremy leverages data to identify trends and provide data-driven insight to enhance marketing strategies for academic programs. When Jeremy is not working, he enjoys playing and watching sports and volunteering at his local church.
As a marketing and communication specialist, Noelle Laghmam helps strategize and execute marketing campaigns for academic programs. Before coming to the University of Illinois, she had a long career as a newspaper reporter. Outside of work, Noelle enjoys finding her way around new and far off places and getting lost in a good book.
Bryan Lin is a graphic designer who loves to tell stories that capture the attention of his audience through design. He works with the Strategic Communications and Marketing team to elevate the university branding and make sure it’s reflected across campus. Outside of the university, he spends his time playing video games, playing soccer or photographing his experience traveling the world.
David LoSardo is an omnichannel advertising professional experienced in media planning, data analysis and research. He strives to achieve university goals and amplify the Illinois brand through efficient campaign execution and creative marketing strategies. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active (recently got into rock climbing), watching horror/sci-fi movies and TV shows and watching sporting events (die-hard college football fan in particular).
Cassidy Marcum is a graphic designer and artist who loves to create visually stunning work both in and outside of work. She collaborates on a range of design projects for the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing. She recently graduated from Illinois and is excited to support the university’s brand in this new position. When she’s not designing or crafting, you can find Cassidy collecting vinyl, testing new recipes, playing board games and pursuing antique malls.
Jesse Marshall helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes in the Special Events office, managing business and administrative operations while also assisting with events hosted by the Chancellor—including Commencement, New Student Convocation, and other large-scale events. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her kids with her husband, exploring new places, playing volleyball, and watching mindless reality TV with her pup, Lainey, by her side.
Todd Mette has always had a passion for web technology and started building websites as a hobby in high school. Working as a developer, he helps keep many websites updated and consistent with the latest standards. He also enjoys collaborating with other professionals at the university to learn more about keeping websites accessible, fast and secure.
Grace Lamb is a senior digital media and marketing manager with StratCom, where she helps colleges and academic units connect with prospective students through strategic digital advertising and marketing initiatives. In her role, Grace develops and manages data-driven campaigns across search, social, display, and other digital channels, partnering closely with campus stakeholders to support enrollment, engagement, and brand awareness goals. She enjoys translating complex objectives into effective marketing strategies, analyzing campaign performance, and identifying opportunities to continuously improve results. The most rewarding part of her work is seeing marketing efforts translate into real outcomes — from prospective students becoming admitted students to demonstrating measurable return on investment and the tangible impact of strategic digital marketing on university enrollment goals.
Lea Peck is the strategic mind behind the @uofillinois social media handles. Whether deciphering algorithms or crafting clever captions, Lea transforms #ILLINOIS stories into captivating narratives that resonate with both the curious and the committed. Outside of work, she enjoys reading (and napping) with her two kittens and puppy, exploring new cities in search of the best gluten free pastry and embracing new hobbies on a whim.
Emily Polk is a video producer who loves how many unique parts of the university she gets to highlight while making the Illinois story look and sound good. She loves solving puzzles, so editing videos and working with motion graphics are a couple of her favorite parts of the process. Outside of the office, she enjoys playing video games, planning and occasionally executing items from her ever-growing woodworking and home improvement lists, and hanging out with her cats, husband and baby.
Thomas Polk is a video producer who’s nudging the camera a little to the left, then a little to the right, then adjusting those plants in the background, then turning the light a little lower in the eternal search for the perfect shot (he’s still searching). He loves storytelling, especially at a rich place like Illinois where so many people come together in so many diverse and incredible ways to change the world. Outside of work, you can find Thomas spending time with his wife, Emily, and their daughter and cats, toying with interior design and creating intricate Lego models.
Maeve Reilly is a writer and editor. She started her career at Illinois in Public Affairs but has had a few diversions along the way, mainly in various campus communications units. When not at work, Maeve enjoys gardening, reading, cooking (and eating) and hanging out with her four adult children.
Tiffany works in the role of Project Development and Logistics Specialist with Analytics and Alignment by managing Illinois brand projects. She enjoys cooking for her family, sewing Halloween costumes and traveling to far off places.
Andy Savage creates shortform video content for the university-level social media accounts and loves finding creative ways to showcase Illinois. From campus traditions and everyday moments to sweeping drone views, he enjoys telling stories that help people see the university from a fresh perspective. When he's not behind a camera, Andy enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, and making memories with his wife, Megan, their daughter, and their two dogs, Zion and Roo.
August Schiess leads the marketing and branding for the university. She enjoys working with her teams in social media, marketing, web, and design to develop and execute strategic, branded campaigns and content to tell the Illinois story — and helping others do the same. Her hobbies include reading, running, and finding her next piece of chocolate.
Matt Sharkey has been designing and building on the web for over 20 years. As a consultant, he worked closely with educators and non-profits to create sites that engaged audiences and empowered content creators. In his current role as front end developer, he works with units and other developers across campus to make sure that their sites are adaptive, accessible and on-brand.
Anna Simon specializes in event safety, event production and audio-visual needs for events hosted by the Chancellor including Commencement, New Student Convocation and other institutional events. She focuses on learning and implementing technology that will enhance an event from the user’s experience and works to streamline processes. While away from the office, she and her husband wrangle their three children and their Coton de Tulear.
Kaitlin Southworth is an Emmy Award-winning producer, videographer, and editor with an eye for a unique Illinois story. She turns those stories into documentaries which air nationally on the Big Ten Network. The amazing experiences and people she’s met from across the country have been truly extraordinary and demonstrate the life-changing abilities of the University of Illinois. When she isn’t filming, you can find her watching films with her husband, Kevin, or chasing after her beautiful daughter, Addison, and loyal dog, London.
Pam Steele is the executive assistant to the Associate Chancellor. As part of her role, she also leads all business and human resources activities for the unit. When she’s not working, she enjoys volunteering in her hometown of Tolono and spending time with her grandkids.
As the Director of Analytics and Alignment, Rashmi combines meaningful metrics, data-based storytelling, process documentation, and project management to drive strategic decision-making. Beyond her role at StratCom, Rashmi is a PhD student in the iSchool and is pursuing research that ties data, higher ed marketing, and user experiences together. During her leisure time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her dog, Puri, and traveling to new places to try new foods.
Liz Ahlberg Touchstone covers biomedical sciences for the News Bureau. She works with faculty and researchers to make health, medicine and biomedical research news accessible to the public. When not working, she can be found chasing after two small children and playing board games with her husband, if said children ever go to sleep.
Michael Vincent is a graphic designer who loves to collaborate on the visual aspect of a wide range of projects. He leads design for StratCom, creating work across teams. Projects include designs for the Chancellor and Provost, the News Bureau and the university-wide social media team. He spends his free time watching bad movies, drawing and listening to way too many podcasts.
Charlotte Voznyuk leads design and marketing for the Office of the Provost and its subunits. She develops and executes strategy for all design and marketing needs across the offices, delivering efficient, effective, and accessible content for a range of audiences across print, web, and digital media. She is deeply passionate about mentorship and continuous learning, both in her professional work and as an adjunct instructor with the Charles H. Sandage Department of Advertising. Ask Charlotte what book she’s currently reading, where she’s traveling next, or why tiramisu is the best dessert!
Patrick Wade leads executive communications and supports the Chancellor’s speechwriting to promote consistent and compelling messaging to key stakeholders. He also assists with issue-specific communications and works with campus and System FOIA contacts to promote transparency. He is an avid reader and woodworker, and his greatest interests are whatever his kids are into on that particular day.
Katie Watson leads campuswide communications in close collaboration with colleges, departments and units. She also serves as the chief communications officer for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Operations and supports major projects for the Office of the Chancellor. Katie holds a master's degree in information science.
E. Todd Wilson oversees Multimedia Services, which includes Video Services, Photo Services and Big Ten Network non-athletic programming (documentaries) for the U of I. He also curates content on the campus homepage and in the online directory, A-Z list and calendars. Outside of work, he is an adventure motorcyclist, camper and friend of furry critters.
Diana Yates is the life sciences editor for the News Bureau, writing about agriculture, anthropology, biology, chemistry, ecology, neuroscience, psychology, and other fields. She has a background in field and laboratory research, journalism and public health. She loves to garden, paint, and weave (not-very-attractive) baskets from natural materials. She is getting better at basketweaving. She is thinking about taking up mosaic-making.
Lois Yoksoulian covers physical sciences and the media. After a career as a geologist and infamous “shop talker,” she realized she was better suited for a gig discussing science’s bigger picture. She relishes talking shop with some of the world’s brightest minds and translating what she learned for the News Bureau audience. She lives for live music and recently became an official cat lady by adopting a third feline.
Fred Zwicky is a photographer and visual storyteller who captures moments that matter at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. A photojournalist at heart, Fred documents the life of the university for the Illinois News Bureau, Strategic Communications, campus partners and the main university social media platforms. His work might look like play, so off-duty, Fred works at getting better at volleyball and relaxes by playing guitar.
507 E. Green St | MC-426
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 217-333-5010
Email: stratcom@illinois.edu
