UMaine appoints Hartin as director of communications
Marketing and communications professional Shelby Hartin has been named director of communications for the University of Maine, effective Jan. 2.
In her new role, Hartin will serve as the public information officer for UMaine and lead the news development, public affairs and media relations work of the Division of Marketing and Communications.
Hartin previously worked as a communications specialist for Versant Power where she shared media management, press release, spokesperson and communication duties for storm restoration and response. She also developed communications plans, wrote news releases and marketing copy and assisted with the creation of internal and external campaigns.
Prior to Versant, she worked as director of admissions marketing and communications at Colby College where she designed and implemented the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid’s communications plan, incorporating digital technologies, data-driven segmentation strategies and multi-platform content distribution for U.S. and international audiences. This included a suite of print publications, the creation of a visually engaging website, leading the growth of a robust social presence and creating a digital media plan encompassing the inclusion of search engine optimization strategies.
“We’re excited to welcome Shelby to the UMaine community as a leading voice among our team of creative communicators,” says Meredith Whitfield, chief marketing officer and communications officer. “With years of experience in strategic messaging and storytelling, I’m confident Shelby will promote the university’s impact and accomplishments to audiences far and wide, and provide strong institutional messaging that reflects our mission and values.”
Hartin holds a degree in English and journalism from UMaine and is working toward earning her Master of Business Administration from Maine Business School.
“The University of Maine has been an integral part of my life from the first time I stepped on campus as an undergraduate,” Hartin says. “I’m excited to join the university in this capacity and work with the talented communicators here to share stories of innovation, excellence and impact.”