Patti Waid starts Nov. 27 as director of University Communications. She has a B.S. in Business Administration (International Business Option) from Fresno State and most recently served as executive director of Public Affairs at California State University, Chico. Previously, she served as assistant vice chancellor for University Communications at the University of California, Merced.

At Chico, Waid led campus crisis communications, served as chief spokesperson, and oversaw media relations and outreach. At UC Merced, Waid is considered a founding member who developed communications programs from the ground up.

Among her initiatives and projects, Waid developed and led staff execution of crisis-communications plans and conducted a media training program for senior leadership, administrative staff and faculty members. She also served on the Chancellor’s Cabinet.

Waid is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).