July 27, 2012 – As the University of Utah works to enhance its reputation globally, the department leading that effort is filling two key vacancies on its roster of communications professionals.

Brian Rasmussen is the new marketing director and will oversee a team of creative professionals, including graphic designers and copywriters who provide strategic guidance to clients across campus. Reporting to Bill Warren, the U’s chief marketing and communications officer, Rasmussen will work with the university team to ensure the integrity of the U’s brand is maintained and its story is told consistently and effectively.

Rasmussen joins the U from R&R Partners/Salt Lake City, a marketing communications firm where he served as business development and managing director.  A University of Utah graduate, Rasmussen has worked at several agencies and also owned an advertising firm.  He has developed marketing campaigns for high-profile clients, including Intermountain Healthcare and Utah Transit Authority, which led to his involvement in marketing and branding public transit agencies nationwide. He also served as past president of the Utah Advertising Federation.

“This is an incredible opportunity,” says Rasmussen.  “I am proud of our accomplishments at R&R Partners, and look forward to applying my marketing expertise to raise the local and national profile of my alma mater.”

Barb Smith also joins the department as executive communications manager, reporting to Keith Sterling, the communications director.  Smith will serve as speechwriter for U President David Pershing and as a senior member of the communications staff. Smith comes to The U from KTVX-ABC4 in Salt Lake City, where she worked as an anchor-reporter for the last 21 years.

In addition to her on-air duties, Smith has served as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, a member of the board of trustees at Utah Valley University and spokesperson for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“I am honored to join the University of Utah at a time of such momentum,” says Smith.  “I look forward to communicating President David Pershing’s vision for the future of the state’s flagship institution.”

“Brian and Barb are terrific additions to the team,” says Warren.  “With more than 50 years of combined experience here in our community, they will help advance our strategic marketing and communication efforts across the state and beyond.”