Richard (Rick) Kessel joined UVA Health as Senior Director, Communications in September 2021. He will lead the team in crafting multi-platform, integrated communications that are creative, strategic, and effective in sharing the mission and vision of UVA Health to inspire philanthropy.
Rick comes to UVA from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he served as the Executive Director of Advancement Communications. He led marketing efforts for annual giving, alumni and donor relations, major gifts, events and more. Kessel was also responsible for leading the rebranding of the comprehensive campaign that exceeded its initial goal of $125 million. Previously, as Executive Director of Communications for the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, he directed the overhaul of strategic communications initiatives to enhance its reputation, drive enrollment, and build alumni engagement.
Before entering higher education, Rick served as the publisher for Symphony Publishing. He conceptualized and led the launch of the music education media division, including SBO – School Band & Orchestra, JAZZed, Choral Director, and as the Music Students' College Search & Career Guide. Kessel was also a founding member and board treasurer of the Jazz Education Network (JEN), the leading international organization that supports jazz education.
As a musician, Rick performed as a clarinetist in concerts with Luciano Pavarotti and Henry Mancini, chamber music performances at Clark University, concertos with various orchestras, and studio sessions for Norwegian Cruise Lines. His education includes an MBA from Clark University and a bachelor's degree in music and audio technology from Indiana University, Bloomington. He will be moving to Charlottesville with his wife, Cynthia, who is a college prep and standardized test counselor.