UC Alum, CEO of Ketchum to Speak at UC Commencement

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UC Alum, CEO of Ketchum to Speak at UC Commencement

UC Alum, CEO of Ketchum to Speak at UC Commencement

Rob Flaherty, partner, chairman and CEO of Ketchum, one of the world’s top communications firms, will be the commencement speaker for Utica College’s undergraduate ceremony.

Flaherty graduated from UC in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and journalism. Former director of public relations for the F.X. Matt Brewing Company in Utica, Flaherty then went to Burson-Marsteller, a public relations firm in New York City. Flaherty became the president of Ketchum in 2008 and is now one of the industry’s most sought-after client counselors. He has been with the agency for 28 years where he heads the company’s 20-member Global Leadership Council to guide the strategy, client service and performance of the agency. He also specializes in corporate positioning and issues management.

Flaherty also serves on the executive committee of the board of the Arthur W. Page Society and the Institute for Public Relations. He has served as a senior judge of the Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvils and has co-chaired its 2012 international conference. He also serves on the advisory board of directors for Room to Read, Ketchum’s global pro bono partner.

Flaherty will give the keynote address at the undergraduate commencement at the Utica Memorial Auditorium on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.