Jennifer Petra was recently hired as Fordham University’s vice president for University Communications. In the position, which is also referred to as the university spokesperson, she will replace current vice president Bob Howe.
According to an article by Fordham Now, in the position, “she will oversee Fordham’s internal and external news functions, crisis communications, and media relations, all in service of elevating and protecting the Fordham brand.”
In an email, Petra said she was drawn to the position because Fordham’s values align with her own. “One of the things about this position at Fordham that I was most excited by was the opportuity to take what I had learned over the years and use it to make a difference as part of an organization whose values I really believe in,” she said.
Petra is a New York native, growing up in Long Island and living in a “pretty small town” in northern Westchester County for the past 12 years. She also lived in Boston for a few years during college, earning her bachelor’s degree in public relations and mass communications from Boston University in 2000.
After college, Petra worked at G.S. Schwartz & Company Inc. as an account executive for two years, according to her LinkedIn. She spent the next eight years, from 2002 to 2010, working as the senior vice president at Porter Novelli.
She has spent the bulk of her career at PepsiCo, serving in several positions, including as the director of brand communications and senior director of corporate reputation and internal communications. She said her varying job experiences aid her work in the communications industry.
“I’m fortunate to have had a career that has allowed me to get experience in a lot of different areas of communications such as reputation management, crisis and issues, brand PR, and media relations,” Petra said. “I think that broad experience lets you look at how you communicate from many perspectives which helps you tailor your approach to make sure what you are communicating really lands with your audience.”
She started the position in August and hit the ground running. “I started right before the semester began so I jumped right into the work but, I’ve also done a lot of listening, learned as much as I can about Fordham and higher education,” Petra said. “I’ve gotten acquainted with as many faculty, staff and students – including some of The Ram staff – as possible.”
Petra also explained what she hopes to achieve in her new position. “Fordham has incredible stories to tell, perspectives to share, and a community and mission that people should know about,” she said. “I hope to help Fordham communicate in a way that navigates challenges and delivers the University’s news and stories to all of our important audiences in a compelling way.”
Outside of work, Petra is an avid cook and a gardener. “I absolutely love cooking, especially for family and friends who I know love to eat! Over the past few years, I’ve grown a vegetable and flower garden in my backyard and there is nothing more satisfying than growing your own produce and using it in meals throughout the week or filling a vase with fresh cut flowers,” she said.
Petra is also a mother and enjoys spending time with her kids. “We’re also a big sports family so if I’m not cooking, there is a good chance I’m cheering my teenagers on from the sidelines or watching the NY Rangers.”
