Thomas P. Torello has been named chief communications officer for Union College following a national search. He replaces Gail Glover, who resigned in May.
Torello will oversee the Office of Communications, whose responsibilities include media and public relations, marketing, publications, social media, the alumni magazine, the College’s Web site and the Chronicle, a weekly internal newsletter.
Torello will work closely with campus leaders and departments to enhance and promote Union’s academic reputation and strengthen the College’s brand. He will be responsible for managing internal and external communications and will also assist senior leadership in communicating with key leaders in Schenectady and the Capital Region.
Torello has nearly two decades of experience in higher education, including leadership positions in communications and marketing at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Ithaca College, Pace University and Salem State University, where he led the school through its first major branding campaign.
He holds a bachelor's in communications from Ithaca College, with a major in television and radio and a minor in philosophy and religion.
“Union is one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the country and I am honored to be asked to join such a talented communications team,” Torello said. “I'm excited to be returning to the Capital District and bringing my experience to an institution with such a unique identity and strong leadership.”
Torello began at Union July 19. He reports to Terri Cerveny, vice president for College Relations.
“Tom's extensive experiences in leading campus communications strategies and working with talented communications teams are a perfect match for Union,” Cerveny said. “Like our own community, Tom is creative, accomplished, forward-thinking, collaborative and thoughtful. We’re thrilled he’s joining our team.”