UCLA announced Oct. 2 that Mary Osako will be phim tam ly 18 hayreappointed as the university’s vice chancellor for strategic communications.
Over the last five years, Osako has led a vast team to manage communications, media relations, and brand marketing for the Bruin community. As a UCLA alumna herself, her invaluable insights have helped maintain and enhance the school’s reputation as a world-class public research university.
Her reappointment comes after five successful years at the helm of Strategic Communications, completing a total transformation of the office and bolstering the university’s marketing and communications efforts amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic and increased social unrest on U.S. college campuses.
“Attending UCLA was a transformative experience for me, so being able to tell the stories that capture the heart, brilliance, and positive impact of the university on the world has been the greatest joy of my career,” said Osako. “I am deeply grateful to UCLA leadership and my alma mater for this opportunity and am energized to continue this journey, working alongside committed leaders who bring UCLA’s legacy to life every day.”
“Vice Chancellor Osako has forged deep relationships with campus leaders and student-run media, conveying UCLA’s stories from a place of transparency and humanity,” said Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt. “Under her leadership, UCLA has weaved together the diverse experiences that make UCLA not just a university, but a beacon of possibility and inclusive excellence. I look forward to the new initiatives she will enact to strengthen our Bruin community in the coming years.”
“We’re grateful to have Vice Chancellor Osako as a trusted partner who is committed to sharing everything that makes UCLA so remarkable,” said Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Mike Levine. “Her work has showcased the passion and innovation that defines us and has inspired pride in our community which has reverberated beyond Westwood and across the nation.”
Under Osako’s leadership, UCLA has experienced a 70% increase in positive news media mentions, an 1,850% increase in social media engagement, and a 4,100% increase in views on the university’s video channels.
She has spearheaded initiatives including the First Thursdays series to help revitalize Westwood, a marketing campaign to highlight UCLA’s eighth consecutive #1 public university ranking, and led the rollout of the selection of UCL’s next chancellor, Julio Frenk.
Before rejoining UCLA, Osako served in several key senior communications positions including partner and chief operating officer at Haven Tower Group, chief communications officer at Activision Blizzard, and head of global corporate communications at Amazon, and Yahoo!
She also serves as vice chair of Haven’s board of advisors as well as on the board of directors of the Hammer Museum and the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and the Geffen Academy at UCLA Advisory Council.