After a nationwide search, the College named Martin Mbugua as the new senior vice president for communications and public affairs this past summer—succeeding Scott Hood, who retired from the position after nearly 36 years at Bowdoin.

At the College, Mbugua will lead a team of 16 staff members in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs and will report directly to President Safa Zaki. As stated in a press release, Mbugua will work on strategies to increase Bowdoin’s reputation and “[navigate] the unforeseen.”

“[Mbugua] brings deep experience in public and media relations, crisis communication, strategic planning and community engagement, along with a strong record of leading collaborative, proactive and agile teams,” Zaki said in a Bowdoin News press release.

Mbugua previously worked at New York University Abu Dhabi since March 2021, leading the Office of External Relations and Communications. He also previously worked in communications and media relations at Carnegie Mellon University, Princeton University and Skidmore College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a master of arts in government from St. John’s University and later his MBA from the University of Delaware.

“I have a deep appreciation for Bowdoin’s strong sense of community, inclusivity and equity,” Mbugua also said in a Bowdoin News press release. “The pursuit of the common good through service and a transformative liberal arts education are values that align with my professional and personal principles.”