Paul Pegher

About Paul Pegher

Throughout my career, my success has been shaped by collaboration with outstanding colleagues and by the strengths I bring to each role: Project Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration Across higher education, government, and corporate sectors, I have led complex, high-impact initiatives by fostering strategic partnerships within and beyond organizations. These initiatives support business operations, strengthen organizational communication strategies, and elevate stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with mission-driven goals. Broad and Adaptive Skill Set I offer a versatile skill set grounded in strategic business acumen, complex project management, and an aptitude for clear, compelling communication—whether written, visual, or interpersonal. In my current role at Emerson College, I manage business operations, direct resource allocation, and engage diverse stakeholders, crafting messaging across channels to advance our mission and connect meaningfully with each audience. Change Management & Innovation My experience in change management spans transformative initiatives at the Ohio Department of Transportation, where I led large-scale projects like an agency-wide ERP system, a full website overhaul, and the launch of statewide programs that were sometimes politically sensitive. At Denison University, I helped reframe the institution’s voice through its publications, modernized the University Communications team, and worked closely with university leaders to strengthen the institution’s impact among students, faculty, and alumni. Mission-Driven Focus I thrive in organizations united by a shared mission. At Denison, that mission centered on the enduring value of a liberal arts education. At ODOT, it was about responsible governance and the safety of Ohio’s transportation systems. At Emerson College, where communication and the arts are central, my work supports the success of our students and faculty by advancing our culture of teaching and learning.

Experience

1. Director of Operations and Communications

   Emerson College School Of Communication

   Sep 2019 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   In general, my purpose in this wide-ranging role is to advance the culture of teaching and learning across the School of Communication. In more defined terms, responsibilities include:Executive Consultation & Representation: Advise the Dean on business decisions, strategic initiatives, personnel, communications, etc. Speak and act on his behalf working with students, faculty, campus partners, donors, parents, suppliers, etc. Additionally advise Academic Department Chairs and the college’s senior leadership on issues related to operations and communications.Budget/Resource Management: Direct business and financial operations for Office of the Dean, directing the investment of resources (funds, people, exposure, time) that add value to student experience, faculty growth and support, and program development. Oversee business operations for five academic departments; advising chairs/staff and resolving issues as necessary.Advancement & Gift Stewardship: Working closely with the Dean and Associate Dean of Advancement, engage with donors and prospects, develop strategies and programs that appeal to philanthropic support, and steward the use of gift funds according to donor intentions. Marketing Communications: Oversee the development and delivery of creative content strategies—from special events to social media, email, editorial, video, and audio—that engage and cultivate relationships among a broad, diverse range of internal and external audiences.Business Communications: Directly craft and manage messaging from Office of the Dean to various stakeholder groups concerning various special initiatives, processes, policies, etc.Cross-Functional Collaboration: As a producer of wide-ranging and often unique special events, strategic partnerships, and other initiatives, coordinate the involvement of stakeholders from academic and administrative units across the College community, as well as with external individuals and institutions.

Education

• Ohio University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA

  2016 — 2019

• Ohio University

  Journalism/Public Relations

  1990 — 1994