[Editors: a high resolution photograph of Beth Fortune may be downloaded here.]
Beth Fortune, associate vice chancellor for public affairs at Vanderbilt University, will serve as interim head of Vanderbilt’s Division of Public Affairs beginning June 1, announced Interim Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos.
Fortune will serve in the interim role following the departure of Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Michael Schoenfeld, who has accepted a position at Duke University.
Fortune, 44, came to Vanderbilt in 2000 after serving as press secretary to Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist for more than six years. A member of the governor’s Cabinet, she served as Sundquist’s top spokesperson and directed the press office and a team of departmental communications officers.
Her previous experience also includes seven years as a journalist for the now-defunct Nashville Banner, where she covered government and politics.
At Vanderbilt, Fortune has served as Schoenfeld’s principal deputy with direct oversight of the university’s news and communications functions, including the News Service, Office of Science and Research Communications, Creative Services and the Vanderbilt View, a new monthly publication.
Media Contact: Elizabeth Latt, (615) 322-NEWS
elizabeth.p.latt@vanderbilt.edu