THE PLANK CENTER NAMES BOB JIMENEZ, JESSAMYN KATZ AND JOSEPH TATEOKA NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF ADVISORS

October 28, 2021 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations Board of Advisors has announced the addition of three new board members: Bob Jimenez, Jessamyn Katz and Joseph Tateoka.

The Board of Advisors of The Plank Center consists of world-class academics and practitioners who provide counsel, direction and oversight to the Center regarding strategic plans and programs to support its leadership mission.

“Never has the mission of the Plank Center been more needed, and nurturing and mentoring the next generation of ethical, skilled communications leaders is essential to our profession. We’re delighted and honored to have Bob, Jessamyn and Joseph join our Board of Advisors, as they bring the integrity, talent and experience that will help us drive this critical imperative,” said Bridget Coffing, Plank Board Chair.

Bob Jimenez is senior vice president of Corporate Affairs at Cox Enterprises. Jimenez serves as the chief communications counsel to members of the executive team and leads the management of the company’s brand, reputation and strategic communications.

“I’ve held The Plank Center in high regard for many years,” said Jimenez, “In a world full of uncertainty, clear and effective communication is more important than ever, and I look forward to helping current and future communications leaders make an even larger impact.”

Jessamyn Katz is the president of Heyman Associates and is responsible for leading searches to fill myriad executive-level roles in strategic communications, investor relations, marketing and other specialties within those functions. She advises clients across sectors, with an emphasis on technology, healthcare, financial services, nonprofits and higher education.

“I look forward to continuing Heyman Associates’ commitment to advancing the careers of communicators,” Katz said, “The Plank Center does important work on the importance of leadership in this industry and we’re proud to be a part of those efforts!”

Joseph Tateoka is vice president of global learning & development at Edelman and an adjunct professor at DePaul University College of Communication. He joins the Plank Center Board with more than a decade of experience generating communications campaigns for B2B technology and enterprise software companies. Tateoka is also a passionate advocate for promoting diversity and equality through awareness and education. 

“Betsy was a champion of PR education, and her kindness, guidance and mentorship to me as a student has had a continuing impact on my career path,” said Tateoka. “Supporting her legacy by advocating and supporting the development of future communications professionals is an incredible honor.” 

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About The Plank Center 

The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations is the leading international resource working to support students, educators and practitioners who are passionate about the public relations profession. Founded at The University of Alabama in 2005, the Center is named in honor of Betsy Plank, the “First Lady of PR.” Betsy’s legacy and vision continues on in the Center’s programs and initiatives to advance the profession and public relations education. For more information, please visit plankcenter.ua.edu and follow our social media channels (@PlankCenterPR). 

Contact Information 

Colleen Dolan 

Communications Specialist, The Plank Center  cldolan@ua.edu | 205.348.7250