Welcome New Executive Director of Marketing and Communications - Cristian Sandoval

Welcome New Executive Director of
Marketing and Communications - Cristian Sandoval

Dear Members of the A&M-San Antonio Community:

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Cristian Sandoval as Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. Cristian brings to this role within Advancement and External Relations an extensive portfolio in strategy development, branding, communications planning, messaging and leadership guidance for executive-level teams. He has developed and launched successful marketing strategies - leading innovation and brand development for sales-driven organizations in the United States and Latin America. Such experience coupled with his entrepreneurial expertise, creativity and deep understanding of data and technology will benefit our enrollment and fundraising priorities, reputation management strategies and market strategies for new programs, initiatives and institutional priorities. His expertise in "story-telling" will contribute to a new strategy for managing the institution's reputation, elevating faculty expertise and raising awareness of University achievements.

Cristian's more than 20 years of marketing and brand development experience includes roles with National City Bank, Reliant Energy, Johnson Controls (Mexico), Western Union, Crest, Corona, Jose Cuervo, the Internal Revenue Service and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Most recently, he led the successful development and launch of Yes al Inglés, a leading English language learning platform for high school students within Mexico's public school system. The platform is now the official English learning platform for the state of Coahuila and other educational institutions. In 2011, Cristian founded Earn-A-Bike Co-Op, a non-profit, that uses incentive-based learning to promote attendance, good behavior, and academic performance in San Antonio School Systems, and to date, has placed more than 1,250 bicycles in economically challenged areas.

He earned a BA in marketing and communications from the University of the Ozarks, a MBA from Case Western Reserve's Weatherhead School of Management, and a MBA from Universidad Francisco Marroquín. Cristian is also pursuing a doctoral degree in leadership studies from Our Lady of the Lake University. He has served on several boards, including the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

I am deeply appreciative to those who served on the search committee, including Alicia Bartel, Hugo Cantero, Mary Kay Cooper, Jessica Loudermilk, Miriam Magdaleno, and Vice President Brandy McLelland. Their efforts resulted in a diverse and talented slate of candidates. Thank you to Dean Carl Sheperis, Dean Mirley

Balasubramanya, and Assistant Professor of Marketing Arne Baruca for meeting with the finalists, as well as the members of our University Community who provided feedback on the candidates' presentations. 

Please join me in welcoming Cristian to the A&M-San Antonio community as he begins his new role June 18. 

Cheers, Jeanette

Dr. Jeanette De Diemar
Vice President for University Advancement & External Relations