Johnny Cruz Named U of A Chief Communications and Marketing Officer

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella today announced the appointment of Johnny Cruz as chief communications and marketing officer. He will focus on elevating the university's voice in ways that reflect its values and mission, while helping to foster a stronger sense of connection and purpose across the U of A community. His appointment begins Sept. 3.

Cruz returns to the U of A, where he previously served in central communications for nearly eight years including as assistant vice president for communications. He currently serves as chief communications and marketing officer at the University of California, Riverside, a role he has held since 2018. Earlier this year, he was appointed interim vice chancellor for university advancement and interim president of the UC Riverside Foundation, overseeing the university's development and alumni engagement functions.

He has more than 25 years of communications and marketing experience at public research universities and global nonprofit organizations, including leading the external communications unit at Make-A-Wish America and directing public relations for the global humanitarian organization World Vision. As a nationally recognized higher education leader and practitioner, Cruz speaks and moderates at national conferences on the topics of branding, marketing, communications and talent management. In 2023, he was named one of the three finalists for national higher education marketer of the year by the American Marketing Association.

Read more about Cruz and his appointment on the university's news website.