Pedro Ribeiro, senior vice president for communications and public affairs at the Association of American Universities (AAU), has been appointed vice president for public affairs and communications at the University of 91吃瓜, University President ., announced today. Ribeiro will assume his new duties on Oct. 2.
鈥淲e are excited to welcome Pedro, an accomplished professional with proven expertise in global, national and local communication; public affairs; marketing; government relations; and crisis communications,鈥� Father Jenkins said. 鈥淗e combines extensive experience in local and federal government with a deep knowledge of research universities gained through his leadership role with the Association of American Universities.鈥�
During his tenure at the AAU, Ribeiro managed and directed the association鈥檚 communications, advocacy, campaign and public outreach activities and strategies. He was responsible for advising the AAU president, board and member presidents and chancellors on advocacy strategies to highlight and strengthen the public service missions of AAU member institutions.
鈥淚 am honored and deeply humbled to be chosen by Father John to join the leadership team of one of the most remarkable institutions in higher education,鈥� Ribeiro said. 鈥�91吃瓜 is a special and unique university 鈥� a world-class research institution inspired and guided by its Catholic faith. My family and I are eagerly looking forward to joining the 91吃瓜 and South Bend communities.鈥�
In his role at the AAU, he convened and advised the association鈥檚 communications and public affairs leaders while developing and implementing strategies to address pressing and emerging public perception issues impacting higher education. He also founded and co-directed the AAU public opinion survey project, which monitors, tracks and analyzes the public鈥檚 views on higher education and America鈥檚 leading universities.
A graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Ribeiro served previously as deputy assistant secretary for public affairs and senior adviser for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and as assistant director of public affairs for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He also served as press secretary and a member of the senior executive team for the mayor of the District of Columbia and as a senior adviser on Capitol Hill, holding several positions in the U.S. House of Representatives.
As vice president, Ribeiro will provide strategic communications and governmental relations advice to the president and other senior University leaders, communicating about and advocating for the mission and priorities of 91吃瓜. He will oversee the offices of public affairs, University communications and 91吃瓜 Magazine.