Ben Deutsch named inaugural executive-in-residence

Ben Deutsch, retired vice president of corporate communications at The Coca-Cola Company and current professor of the Introduction to Corporate Communications course, has been named an executive-in-residence at Grady College.

“Ben is an ideal choice for our first-ever executive-in-residence,” said Charles N. Davis, dean of Grady College. “We’ve been so fortunate that he has taught for us the past couple of years, and the students adore him. The thing about Ben is that none of this is about him – he’s only interested in what helps the students and our program.”

Deutsch created and has taught the corporate communications course since 2023. The course is designed to give students an overview of the key elements of corporate communications and the critical role it plays in protecting and enhancing the reputation of a company. He regularly invites guest speakers including communications professionals from Coca-Cola, Delta, UPS, Chick-fil-A, Southern Company and NBC to share their lessons and career advice.

“To welcome Ben as our inaugural executive-in-residence brings the excitement and more collaboration opportunities to the next level,” said Juan Meng, UGA Athletic Association Endowed Professor and head of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations. “Ben’s expertise and rich experience in corporate communications are great assets to continue advancing our curriculum, bring the unique and important perspectives of corporate communications, and prepare the next generation of communication leaders in this dynamic field.”  

Deutsch is also working with Meng to create a corporate communications certificate program, which is still under development.

Deutsch is an active community volunteer and board member. In addition to serving on the AdPR Executive Advisory Board at Grady College, he serves on several boards including advisory boards of BoxLock, a start-up security solutions company, and Own the Room, an interactive communications training organization. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Extra Special People (ESP), which creates transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families. He is a past chairman of the board of Special Olympics Georgia and currently serves on the organization’s honorary board. 

Deutsch had a 25-year career with Coca-Cola, the last 11 years of which he served as vice president of corporate communications. He led a 25-person team that had oversight of corporate media relations, global brand PR, social and digital communications, issues management and internal and executive communications. Prior to joining Coca-Cola, Deutsch worked at the public relations firms of Shandwick USA in Bloomington, Minnesota, and Wells & Miller in Minneapolis. He also was a sports reporter for the Wisconsin State Journal for two years.

“I am honored to be part of the amazing faculty and staff at Grady,” Deutsch said. “The continued growth of our corporate communications program reflects the evolving demands of the industry and the increasing need for strategic, ethical and impactful communication. We’re committed to equipping our students with the skills, insights and real-world experience necessary to lead in a rapidly changing media and business landscape.”

Deutsch has been instrumental in helping to advise the teams of students applying for the national PRWeek Outstanding Student awards for the past two years. Under his guidance, Esther Kim won the Outstanding Student in 2024 and students Magot Murphy and Abby Samet were named top two finalists in 2025, with Murphy winning the Outstanding Student honor.

“Teaching Grady students is an absolute joy,” Deutsch said. “Their energy, creativity and curiosity make every class an engaging and inspiring experience, and I learn a ton from them.  Watching them grow into strategic thinkers and communicators who will shape the future of our industry is both rewarding and fun.”

He is a journalism graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and served in various roles on the Board of Visitors, including chairing the board in 2013-2014.

Author: Sarah Freeman, freemans@uga.edu