Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives

Mitch Zak is the primary spokesman for the University of Arizona and works on campuswide issues. He is an accomplished communicator with over 30 years of experience in the private sector, government and nonprofits. He has counseled two governors and numerous chief executives and shaped successful engagement programs for a wide range of organizations. Before joining the University of Arizona, Zak co-founded and co-owned one of California's leading public affairs agencies.

Senior Director, Strategic Communications

Pila Martinez oversees employee news communications, including the Lo Que Pasa employee newsletter, the University Calendar and the UAnnounce online memo system. She also is involved in collaborative projects within and outside the Office of University Communications. Prior to joining the university, Martinez worked as a reporter at the Tucson Citizen, the Arizona Daily Star and The Associated Press. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in legal studies.

Executive Director, Internal Communications

Marie-Chantale provides strategic counsel and oversight of institutional communications directed at internal audiences, ensuring that internal communications are delivered effectively and are in alignment with the University’s purpose and values, and the Strategic Plan. She creates opportunities to inform, connect and engage internal audiences to help drive culture and inspire advocacy.

Director, News Content and Communications

Alexis Blue oversees the UArizona News website and is editor of the UANow weekly newsletter. She also does media relations and is a senior writer in the office, covering psychology, family and consumer sciences, and social sciences research. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Arizona and worked as a journalist in Southern Arizona before returning to the university.

Director, Media Relations

Nick Prevenas oversees the University of Arizona's external media relations strategies. He produces a daily summary of earned media coverage and analyzes the university's media relations efforts. He updates and maintains the office's media contacts database and also tracks the university's performance across a variety of national and international rankings.

Assistant Director, News

Andy Ober assists with content development for the Lo Que Pasa employee newsletter and covers business and fine arts for UArizona News and UANow. Before joining the University of Arizona, he oversaw content efforts at Inside Indiana Business, a statewide business news network in Indianapolis. He graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor's degree in history with minors in telecommunications and political science.

Assistant Director, Internal Communications

Kelly assists with the oversight and execution of institutional communications directed at internal audiences, ensuring that internal communications are delivered effectively and are in alignment with the University’s purpose and values, and the Strategic Plan.

Manager, Video Communications and Director of Broadcast

Arlene Islas manages video and broadcast communications for the university. She previously worked at Arizona Public Media as a television director and producer. Her work has earned several awards including two regional Emmys, three regional Edward R. Murrows, the 2019 national Edward R. Murrow in feature reporting, and four Telly Awards in 2022. A native of Mexico, Islas graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a photography emphasis.

News Writer

Kyle Mittan is a news writer covering law, architecture, education and other general assignments, especially the university's programs and initiatives related to Native American advancement and tribal engagement. He also assists with media relations. He earned a degree in journalism from the University of Arizona and worked as a reporter at newspapers in Washington state before returning to Tucson.

News Writer

Logan Burtch-Buus is a news writer primarily focused on general assignments. A Tucson native and graduate of Canyon del Oro High School, he earned a degree in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. Burtch-Buus worked as a newspaper editor, journalist and photographer in Southern Arizona before returning to the university.

Science Writer

Daniel Stolte is the senior science writer for the office. Stolte coordinates with university researchers, external funding agencies and partnering institutions and organizations in developing engaging stories that showcase the impact of UArizona science research.

Science Writer

Niranjana Sahasranamam Rajalakshmi is a science writer for the office. She composes stories and news releases by working with university researchers on their intriguing findings. Sahasranamam Rajalakshmi is a graduate of New York University’s Science, Health & Environmental Reporting Program, prior to which she was a veterinary microbiologist.

Media Analyst

Jason monitors media outlets to identify trends and evaluate coverage of university programs, projects and publications. A “Baja Arizona” native and third-generation Wildcat, he holds a bachelor's in English Literature with a double minor in Economics and Humanities. He spent 15 years working in TV news before moving into public communications.