10/12/99

Contact: Vice President for University Advancement Leonard Raley, (740) 593-0061

ATHENS, Ohio -- Leesa Brown, a veteran of public affairs offices at the state and national level, has been named assistant vice president for communications at Ohio University, effective Oct. 18.

Brown, a native of Van Wert county, will return to Ohio from California where she has been media coordinator of the Sierra Nevada Forest Protection Campaign, a coalition of nearly 70 national, regional and local conservation organizations, scientists, and ecologists.

Brown is a former public affairs officer with the U.S. Department of Justice, handling national media liaison duties for assignments such as the Unabomber and Oklahoma City bombing prosecutions. As assistant director for communications, Brown guided efforts to establish the message strategy for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).

Brown will work closely with the university's administration to coordinate media relations while overseeing the office of News Services and Periodicals which is responsible for distributing information, working with the media and publishing alumni, faculty and staff and parent publications.

"I am delighted that Leesa will be joining us as a part of the new University Advancement team. She has extensive experience as both a coordinator of institutional communications and as a spokesperson," Vice President for Advancment Leonard Raley said. "She not only is in touch with the media and their needs, but understands the mission of higher education as well. That's a great match. We are especially excited by her knowledge of new technologies which will enhance our ability to deliver our message to key audiences."

Brown previously served in several Ohio state government communications offices, including the Ohio Attorney General, Treasurer, Secretary of State, and Department of Development. She also worked as a legislative intern.

"My approach to working with the media is to deliver information quickly that is responsive and accurate," Brown said. "I enjoy working with reporters, and consider myself fortunate to have been able to assist some of the finest newsgatherers in the country. The media plays a vital role in our society, and it is fascinating to be part of that process. Among the many attractions of Ohio University is its nationally known journalism program, which gives me an opportunity to continue to learn and also to work with bright students.

"When you match the talent pool of Ohio's students, faculty, and employees to its commitment to employing technology across the board in creative ways, the opportunities have no limit." Brown said.

Brown said the university's web site www.ohio.edu is evidence of the sophisticated tools that the university's communications and marketing program is putting to use.

Ohio University President Robert Glidden said, "Leesa Brown brings significant news and media relations experience to our communications efforts and I am looking forward to her assuming a key role in delivering the Ohio University message to a variety of constituencies."

Brown completed a bachelor's degree in journalism and political science at the University of Toledo in 1983 with magna cum laude honors. She is pursuing a master's degree in fine arts, poetry and fiction at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.