Donald A. Foley has been hired as the director of Marketing and Communications for Cleveland State Community College. Mr. Foley will serve as the lead communications officer for the College and direct all communication and marketing strategies.
Mr. Foley comes to Cleveland State from Georgia Northwestern College where he served the last 13 years as the Assistant Director of Public Relations. He has an extensive background in traditional and non-traditional marketing and media campaigns, as well as years of experience in broadcast journalism. Prior to his position at Georgia Northwestern, he worked for WRCB Channel 3 in Chattanooga for nine years as News and Promotion Director/Producer.
Christa Mannarino, executive director of Institutional Advancement, said, “As CSCC continues to grow, we need to effectively communicate with our stakeholders across our three locations serving Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe and Polk counties.
With his 13 years at Northwest Georgia Technical, Don brings proven expertise to our institution. As icing on the cake, Don is coming home - as a graduate of Cleveland High School and as an alumnus of CSCC, he brings an understanding of the needs of our region and a love for Cleveland State.”
“Getting the opportunity to come back to my Alma Mater and share some of what I’ve learned is just a special experience,” said Mr. Foley. “The time I spent at Cleveland State as a student was a time like none other. You make great friends at CSCC and grow those relationships for a lifetime. Just to be able to see my career come full circle in this way is a real blessing.”
Dr. Bill Seymour, Cleveland State president, said, “We are very lucky to bring someone in with Don's depth of experience. Combined with a very engaging personality and the passion of an alumnus, we are sure to see some great things come from his department.”
Mr. Foley's credentials in creating, launching and managing a digital/social media network campaign at his previous institution aligns with the goals of Cleveland State. Ms. Mannarino says this will further the college’s efforts in these areas, and his experience in public relations and marketing demonstrates he will be a true asset to the College.
Mr. Foley said, “Cleveland State has amazing people who have invested their professional lives in the college. They believe in their college, and it is really a contagious style of school spirit. I am super proud to just be a part of it all.”
Mr. Foley received his associate degree from CSCC before transferring to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Communication. In his spare time, he enjoys serving as a high school sports official, traveling (especially to Disney World and the mountains) and taking in sporting events across the south with his wife, Terri.