AdPR Executive Advisory Board welcomes five new members

The Grady College Department of Advertising and Public Relations proudly welcomes five new members to its Executive Advisory Board: Thomas Bennett III, Keith Hughes, Allison Kolber, Joli Murtha and Robin Triplett.

The AdPR Executive Advisory Board is a diverse group of communications professionals dedicated to advancing the mission of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations. The Board supports the department by aligning its initiatives with key trends shaping the commercial and public sectors. Members also play a crucial role in offering students valuable experiences through internships and professional development, while fostering the department’s relationships with corporate partners.

“We are extremely excited to be joined by these distinguished communications professionals,” said Dr. Juan Meng, head of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations and UGA Athletic Association Endowed Professor of Public Relations. “Thomas, Keith, Allison, Joli and Robin each have extensive experience and insights that will undoubtedly bolster our efforts to be one of the top advertising and public relations programs in the country.”

Learn more about the expertise and accomplishments each new board member brings to the AdPR Executive Advisory Board below:

Thomas Bennett III is Senior Vice President at FleishmanHillard, where he leads business development and advises clients on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). He also collaborates with General Managers across North America, EMEA and APAC to implement local DEI strategies. Thomas has 22 years of experience spanning PR, sales, marketing, professional sports and DEI. He is a national board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and will serve as President of the PRSA Foundation in 2025.

Keith Hughes (MA ’85) is Executive Vice President and Head of Strategic Services at Ruder Finn, a global independent marketing and communications agency. He advises key clients, including MetLife, and leads the development of new products and thought leadership. Throughout his career, Keith has guided communications for companies like P&G, Sony, Bank of America and PepsiCo, where he led international beverage communications across 190 countries.

Allison Kolber (ABJ ’04) is Vice President of Integrated Marketing at The Home Depot, where she oversees strategic planning and execution of core marketing initiatives. She joined the company in 2021 as Senior Director of Media Planning and Buying, realigning media functions and strategies to drive business growth. Prior to that, Allison led media teams for brands such as Kroger and Verizon Wireless. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and three children.

Joli Murtha is Senior Vice President of Brand and Corporate Marketing at Truist. She played a key role in developing Truist’s brand identity after the first bank merger in the digital age. With 25 years of experience, Joli has worked for companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield and AT&T. She holds degrees from Auburn University and Georgia State University and lives in Atlanta with her family.

Robin Kendric Triplett (ABJ ’05) is Vice President of Integrated Marketing Experiences at The Coca-Cola Company. She leads media, social, digital and multicultural marketing efforts for North America. In 2022, Ad Age named her to its prestigious 40 Under 40 list. Robin is an active volunteer, a member of several boards and an avid marathon runner, with plans to complete a race on all seven continents. 

Maureen Clayton, co-chair of the AdPR Executive Advisory Board and President at Insight Strategic Communications, Inc. shared her excitement of the new addition: “We’re so fortunate to be joined on the Board by these talented communications professionals. Their insights and diverse experience will help accelerate AdPR’s mission to be acknowledged as one of the nation’s best collegiate programs. We look forward to working together to support AdPR@UGA.”

The AdPR Executive Advisory Board will convene at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication for its annual meeting on Thursday, Oct. 24.

Author: Eli Banzon, eli.banzon@uga.edu