Salk Appoints Seasoned Communications Lead

Spector brings vast experience managing creative communications and public affairs locally, nationally and globally

LA JOLLA, Calif., March 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies announced the appointment of Stacie Spector as the new Chief Communications Officer.

"Stacie brings to Salk a wealth of skills and knowledge in all areas of communications, marketing, and media relations. We welcome this fresh perspective and her appreciation for the human impact of science and the unique role and quality of the Salk faculty," said William R. Brody, President, Salk Institute.

Spector has served in similar communications capacities in the political, academic, research, business, and non-profit sector. In 2004 she was recruited to be Associate Vice Chancellor for Communications at the University of California, San Diego overseeing communications, media relations, publications, special events, marketing, VIP tours and state government relations and advocacy. During her tenure at UCSD, she enhanced all aspects of the University's messaging and branding efforts, including the development communications effort to increase support for science and education through the $1 billion dollar "Imagine What's Next" campaign, and succeeded in raising local, national, and international visibility for the university.

A graduate of Columbia University and a California native, Spector entered the world of politics by serving as the deputy campaign manager for the re-election campaign of Senator Tom Harkin. Her success with his campaign led to a move to Washington, D.C. and a series of campaign and political consulting roles, eventually serving as Deputy Communications Director for President Clinton's re-election and overseeing all events for the 1997 Presidential Inauguration. Her experience and commitment led to an appointment as the White House Deputy Director of Communications and Deputy Assistant to the President during President Clinton's second term. In 1999 she was recruited by Vice President Gore as his Deputy Campaign Manager to develop his strategic communications and rapid response team for his campaign, a task she fulfilled until Gore moved his headquarters to Nashville - at which point Stacie decided to return to her native California to be closer to her family.

"Stacie thrives on working with complex messaging such as science and discovery and delivering information to non-experts in ways they can understand and appreciate the direct impact on their own lives. Over the course of her impressive career, Stacie has brought great skill and dedication to her area of expertise and we are thrilled to have her at the Salk," said Rebecca Newman, Vice President, Development/Communications.

As the Chief Communications Officer for the Salk Institute, Spector will oversee the communications and multi-media relations team and will work directly with the President, the Executive Vice President, and the faculty to craft a communications program that will heighten awareness of the Salk Institute's mission, science, and notable successes. As the chief communications officer, she will also serve as a spokesperson for the institute.

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world's preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer's, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.

Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, M.D., the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.

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SOURCE Salk Institute for Biological Studies