Bales appointed to new job

The University of Idaho has appointed Stefany Bales to the position of executive director of communications and marketing. Bales, a UI alumna, has served as UI's director of Integrated Communications since September 2013. The executive director reports to the president and is a member of the President's Cabinet.

In her new role, Bales will serve as the university's chief spokesperson and communications and marketing strategist. She will be directly responsible for leading the University Communications and Marketing team to support the institution's mission, vision and values through strategic planning and implementation. Bales will direct and manage enrollment marketing; media relations; community, donor and volunteer relations; communication policy; brand standards; marketing communications; internal communications; digital and social media; crisis communication; web communications; creative services; and market research.

"I am delighted to have Stefany in this new role," said Chuck Staben, president of the University of Idaho. "She is an experienced communications expert with strong management and leadership skills. I am glad to have her join our leadership team and look forward to further growth and success of the university's communications and marketing efforts."

As director of integrated communications, Bales managed the institution's integrated communications programming including all media relations; internal communications; digital and social media communication management; web content management; and crisis communications. In addition she worked closely with university deans, executive officers, the president, and statewide communications staff providing communications and media expertise and support.

"I am thrilled to take on this new responsibility and am looking forward to leading the very talented UCM team as we take on new challenges," Bales said. "As a proud UI graduate, I can think of nothing better than to use the skills I learned while I was a student here to help effectively grow the university's impact and excellence through strategic communications and marketing practice."

Bales holds a master's degree in resource recreation and tourism with an emphasis in communications, resource policy and public involvement from the University of Idaho.