Elissa Schmidt has been appointed Manager of Communications and Public Relations at the University of Guelph-Humber.
With a deep background in strategic planning, consultative leadership, media and stakeholder relations and communications, Schmidt is an accomplished brand director with more than 15 years of experience developing, leading and executing strategic communications plans for provincial and national organizations.
"Elissa's exceptional experience in communications planning, brand strategy and media relations will be a major asset to the University of Guelph-Humber," said Vice-Provost Dr. John Walsh.
"With Elissa's background in marketing and communications and her passion for higher learning, I know she'll work diligently to honour and promote the many achievements of our UofGH community."
Schmidt has extensive experience developing internal and external communication strategies, managing media relations, providing strategic counsel to senior leadership and acting as an organizational spokesperson.
Schmidt joins UofGH from Make-A-Wish Canada, where she served as Director of Marketing and Communications. In that role, she developed and directed the annual national media relations plan, handled marketing and communications for the organization’s signature fundraising event Rope for Hope, and played a key influencer role in a global rebranding strategy that affected 41 international affiliates.
Prior to that, Schmidt was Manager of Marketing and Communications for Trees Ontario, where she was responsible for managing government relations, media, advertising, print and digital marketing efforts.
Schmidt is also deeply committed to high level academics. She has a master’s degree in Professional Communications from the University of Western Sydney Australia and she’s accredited with the International Association of Business Communicators.
She is also an adventurous world traveller whose interests include cooking, health and wellness, learning and home renovations.
“I am delighted to join the University of Guelph-Humber to help further recognize, celebrate and promote the exemplary work that is being done thanks to its staff, faculty, students, programs and the overall learning environment,” Schmidt said.