Kerri Garcia, an award-winning public relations and communications professional, has been named Director of Communications at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Garcia will lead the University's efforts in internal and external communications, media relations and will serve as the institution's primary spokesperson.

Garcia, a 1992 graduate of the University who previously was Community Relations and Communications Manager with Microsoft in Reno, begins work on April 1.

"Kerri brings a strong combination of proven professional achievement, strategic sense and planning, and interpersonal skill to our communications efforts," said Thomas White, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. "I'm confident she will be a crucial asset for us in capturing the University's story and, just as importantly, in finding new and compelling ways to share our high-impact story with local, regional and international audiences. Throughout her more than two decades of experience in the northern Nevada market, Kerri has proven to be a deeply respected professional, as well as a person who has been actively involved in many of the important issues in our community.

"We are happy to welcome Kerri home to the University."

Garcia said she was honored to be joining the University.

"It's always a dream to work for one's alma mater," said Garcia, who grew up in Sparks and graduated from Bishop Manogue High School in Reno before coming to the University on a full-ride athletic scholarship in tennis. She received her degree from the Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism. "Over the past several years, I've been very impressed with the trajectory of the University under the leadership of President Marc Johnson. It is a great honor for me to join the University and the Marketing and Communications team as we work together to ensure our city, our state and the nation understands how our University is the most important asset we have in establishing a modern, diversified, education-based economy and way of life."

Garcia's previous professional experience includes serving as Director of Public Relations for the Reno office of R&R Partners, Vice President/Director of Public Relations for the Rose/Glenn Group and Director of Entertainment and Public Relations for Harrah's Northern Nevada. She also owned her own public relations and consulting business.

Garcia is active on several community boards and committees, including currently serving as president of the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, chair of the Renown Health Community Advisory Committee and as a board members for Western Industrial Nevada (WIN). She is a past president of the Public Relations Society of America Sierra Nevada Chapter, and is a recipient of the chapter's prestigious Golden Spike Award for excellence in public relations and commitment to the community.

Garcia succeeds Jane Tors, who stepped down in December following more than a decade in the position.