ComArtSci welcomes new Alumni Advisory Board leadership for 2026-27

Dean Heidi Hennink-Kaminski announced the College of Communication Arts and Sciences' 2026-27 Alumni Advisory Board, including new leadership and five new alumni who began their terms July 1. 

Led by board President Clint Crook and Vice President Lori Hiltz, the Alumni Advisory Board serves as an advisory body to the dean. Together, board members provide industry insights, alumni perspectives and professional connections in support of the college's mission and priorities. They also help ensure the college remains connected to emerging industry trends, innovative ideas and the evolving needs of its alumni community. 

"Our board represents the very best of our college and the impact our graduates are making in Michigan and across the country," Hennink-Kaminski said. "I'm grateful for their service and look forward to working together to strengthen alumni engagement, advance the college's priorities and create more and better opportunities for our students, faculty and alumni." 

Board members are selected for their expertise, insight and willingness to engage. As a working board, members contribute their time and experience to strengthen alumni engagement, expand industry partnerships and create meaningful opportunities for students. 

Through mentorship, strategic guidance and industry connections, board members help strengthen opportunities for current students while advancing the college's relationships with alumni and employers. 

One of the board's greatest strengths is the breadth of expertise represented across industries and regions. Members serve as subject matter experts, offering real-world perspectives, strengthening connections with alumni and industry, and supporting student success. 

During its 2026-27 term, the board will focus on developing a network of informed advocates — alumni leaders who understand the college's goals, share its story, strengthen its connections and help create meaningful opportunities for students and fellow alumni. 

The college welcomes a new leadership team and five accomplished alumni whose expertise spans technology, communications, marketing, media, business and innovation. 

Board leadership 

Clint Crook ('92, Telecommunication), Alumni Advisory Board President 

Clint Crook is a technology executive and Director of the Microsoft Alliance at PTC with expertise in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, enterprise technology, data governance and digital transformation. As President of the Alumni Advisory Board, Crook leads Executive Board discussions and works closely with Alumni Relations to foster member engagement, guide board initiatives and support the dean's vision for the college. 

Lori Hiltz ('82, Advertising), Alumni Advisory Board Vice President 

Lori Hiltz recently retired as Chief Executive Officer of Havas Media North America and CEO of Global Brands following a distinguished career leading one of the world's largest media companies. As Vice President, Hiltz supports board leadership and works closely with the President, Executive Board and Alumni Relations to strengthen member engagement, board effectiveness and volunteer involvement. 

New board members 

  • Andrea Brimmer ('87, Advertising), Chief Marketing and PR Officer, Ally Financial 

  • Alyssa Harvey Dawson ('91, Journalism), Board Member, Investor, Advisor, Mentor and Business Executive 

  • Justin Gaines ('13, Advertising), Brand Partnerships Client Lead, Reddit; Host, Ignite the Future 

  • Matt Pasant ('00, Telecommunication), Account Executive, Armanino 

  • Craig Stevenson ('88, Communication), CEO, Gotham Greens 

Continuing board members 

  • Haz Alwattar ('86, Telecommunication), Owner & Founder, Group HazM 

  • Mark Bellissimo ('86, Advertising), CEO, JRT Agency 

  • Lauren Clayborne ('07, Advertising), Global Athlete Development & Inclusion, Fanatics 

  • Brenda Cucci ('88, Telecommunication; '95 M.A., Telecommunication), Founder, Ability2s 

  • Matt Davis ('86, Journalism), Immediate Past President; President, Driftwood Leadership LLC 

  • Darien Harris ('15, Journalism), Director of Player Engagement, New York Giants; Co-Owner, Recharged Pilates; Chair, Regional Engagement Committee, Alumni Advisory Board 

  • Anne Marie Lasher ('86, Telecommunication), Senior Managing Advisor of Content Creation, APR Consulting Co. 

  • Matty May ('94, Advertising), Vice President, Convergent Ad Sales, Paramount 

  • Kaari Peterson ('84, Advertising), Host, "Her Name, Her Voice" podcast; Chair, Brand Elevation Committee, Alumni Advisory Board 

  • Kristy Schena ('93, Audiology & Speech Sciences), Founder & Executive Director, Kids on the Go; Chair, Corporate Engagement Committee, Alumni Advisory Board 

  • Arun Sinha ('84 M.A., Advertising), CEO, Board Member and Global CMO, Agorux 

Learn more about the College of Communication Arts and Sciences Alumni Advisory Board and its members on the college's Alumni Advisory Board webpage.