Richie Hunter, vice president for communications at the University of Michigan (U-M), will step down from her role effective Jan. 2, 2026. Ken Kettenbeil, senior advisor to the president, will temporarily take over as interim vice president for communications starting Jan. 3, 2026. Kettenbeil will hold this interim position until the next U-M president decides on the search process and appoints a new vice president for communications.
President Domenico Grasso remarked, “Richie has served the university with integrity and distinction. She has skillfully navigated complex challenges while leading communications across our institution.” Hunter has been the university’s chief communications officer, overseeing communications and marketing at U-M and advising the president.
Grasso mentioned, “Last month, Richie shared with me her plans to step down from her current role. Her expertise has strengthened our reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.” Hunter was pivotal in launching the national Look to Michigan media campaign, which bolstered Michigan’s global reputation and commitment to public service. Her leadership also guided U-M through a challenging federal landscape.
Hunter’s responsibilities include managing executive and presidential communications, Public Affairs, The University Record, Michigan News, Digital Strategy, and more. She has led the unit since May 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in higher education, healthcare, and business.
Before U-M, Hunter was vice president for communications at the University of Oregon and held top communications roles at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. At the University of Houston System, she was vice chancellor and vice president for marketing and communications. Her experience also spans the healthcare industry, where she held various executive-level roles.
Hunter holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Southern California and a Master of Science in business administration from Lamar University.
Ken Kettenbeil, before joining the President’s Office, served 15 years as vice chancellor for external relations at UM-Dearborn, overseeing communications, marketing, and government relations. His prior roles include director of communications for Smart USA and vice president of communications for the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee.
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