Lisa M. Powers
Assistant Vice President, Media and Executive Communications
University Public Relations
CONTACT: lmpowers@psu.edu
Lisa has more than 35 years of experience as a communications professional and has expertise in writing, editing, reputation management, communications strategy, media relations, executive speech writing, and support on key presidential/executive priorities and initiatives.
In her position as assistant vice president (AVP) for media and executive communications, she has oversight for presidential speechwriting and is deeply involved in crisis communications and issues response. As one of the spokespeople for Penn State and an experienced team leader, Lisa is responsible for positioning the University as a national and international leader in the integration of teaching, research, and public service.
Prior to being named AVP, Lisa served as senior director for University Public Relations within Strategic Communications from 2016 to 2023 and as director of Public Information from 2007 to 2014. During the past three decades, she has also held a variety of other communications positions at Penn State.
A former reporter, marketer, and presidential speechwriter, Lisa has a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education and a bachelor’s degree in journalism.