̽̽ (̽̽) Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) welcomes Alayna Howard ’12, ’18 as a Communications Lead to manage the School’s external relations program. Alayna will coordinate marketing and public relations and facilitate multimedia, digital services, and design functions to support the Rubenstein School’s communications and strategic initiatives. She will work closely with the ̽̽ Chief Communications Officer to ensure continuity and synergy with the overall ̽̽ external relations strategy.
“I am excited to bring Alayna Howard on board to build the Rubenstein School’s external relations program and lead our communications strategy,” said Dean Nancy Mathews. “Her expertise in marketing and communications and her background in environmental sustainability will greatly support our goal to be a leading school of the environment. We are also delighted to have her leadership in centering justice and equity as part of our strategic vision.”
Alayna is already familiar with ̽̽ and the Rubenstein School as a two-time alumna with an MS in natural resources from the Leadership for Sustainability Program and a BA in zoology. A resident of Waterbury, Vermont, she brings experience in marketing and communications from nine years of managing external relations for nonprofit and government organizations in the state.
"I am thrilled to be returning to the ̽̽ community to lead communications for the Rubenstein School,” said Alayna. “As an alumna I know firsthand how unique and valuable the School's mission and its approach to experiential learning is. I am excited to put my communications skills to work to amplify the teachings, learnings, and research of RSENR students, faculty, and staff."
Most recently, Alayna served as marketing and communications specialist with VEIC, a national nonprofit, clean energy consulting firm with headquarters in Winooski, Vermont. As the lead communications partner to senior leadership, she built brand awareness, formulated communications strategies, fostered engagement in VEIC’s work, and evaluated success metrics across six departments.
Prior to her position with VEIC, Alayna worked for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and for Vermont Legal Aid, a nonprofit law firm providing civil legal services.
Alayna will serve in her new position in the Rubenstein School on a part-time basis beginning this August and will move to full-time in October 2021