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McMorris to Step Down as Chief Communication and Marketing Officer

Makayla McMorris has led the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications since December 2018. Marketing Director Sasha Thurin will serve as interim.

  • published: 2022/12/12
Makayla McMorris – who joined UNO in December 2018 as executive director of University Communications – led the unit through a strategic transformation into the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications (MarComm).

Makayla McMorris – who joined UNO in December 2018 as executive director of University Communications – led the unit through a strategic transformation into the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications (MarComm).

University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li Ph.D., CFA, has announced that Chief Communication and Marketing Officer Makayla McMorris will step down from her role effective Dec. 16, 2022.

McMorris – who joined UNO in December 2018 as executive director of University Communications – led the unit through a strategic transformation into the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications (MarComm).

“In just four years, McMorris completely redefined how we project our university’s image and tell our inspirational story to our community, the state, the nation, and the world,” Li said. “I will be forever thankful for the support and leadership she provided during a time of transition and the incredible team she developed that will serve the university well in the years to come.”

In her time at UNO, MarComm staff led campus communications efforts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, created cost-savings by bringing marketing efforts in-house, and earned several statewide and national marketing and communications awards.

“Serving the Maverick community alongside an incredible staff of creators has been one of the true honors of my lifetime,” McMorris said. “The future is bright for UNO and I look forward to watching this institution continue to change lives as I enter this new chapter in my life. I extend my sincerest thanks to the campus and community leaders who provided their support and inspiration during my four years.”

Sasha Thurin, who has served as MarComm’s marketing director since 2019, will serve as interim chief communication and marketing officer. In addition to being a UNO alum and an active member of the Omaha community through professional organizations and volunteer work, Thurin brings nearly 20 years of marketing, advertising and communication experience to the role.