Richie Hunter, vice president for communications, will step down from her role effective Jan. 2, 2026.

Ken Kettenbeil, senior advisor to the president, will be appointed as interim vice president for communications effective Jan. 3, 2026, and will serve in the interim role until the next U-M president determines the search process for the vice president for communications and fills the role.

“Richie has served the university with integrity and distinction,” said President Domenico Grasso. “She has skillfully navigated complex challenges while leading communications across our institution.” 

Hunter serves as the university’s chief communications officer with responsibility for comprehensive oversight of the communications and marketing functions across U-M and serves as the president’s key communications adviser.

“Last month, Richie shared with me her plans to step down from her current role,” Grasso said. “Her expertise has strengthened our reputation locally, nationally and internationally. This past year, she was instrumental in helping us navigate a complicated federal landscape, and her leadership in launching our national Look to Michigan media campaign has ensured that millions understand Michigan’s impact on the world and our commitment to public service. Richie has been a trusted adviser and friend, and she will be greatly missed.”

Hunter manages the Office of the Vice President for Communications, which includes executive and presidential communications, as well as Public Affairs, The University Record, Michigan News, Digital Strategy, Michigan Commons, Michigan Creative, Michigan Photography, Michigan Media, Social Media, the Freedom of Information Act Office and Michigan Public.

Hunter has led the unit since May 2023, following more than 25 years of experience in higher education, health care and business.

Prior to her appointment at U-M, Hunter served as vice president for communications at the University of Oregon. Before joining the University of Oregon in 2021, Hunter served in the top communications role at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the nation’s oldest technological university. As vice president for strategic communications and external relations at RPI from 2016-21, Hunter led a comprehensive rebuilding of the communications function and rebranding effort.

From 2013-16, she was the vice chancellor and vice president for university marketing, communication and media relations for the four-campus University of Houston System, including the University of Houston, the system’s tier-one research institution and the second-most diverse university in the nation.

Prior to her career in higher education, Hunter served for more than a decade in various executive-level marketing and communication roles in the health care industry.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Southern California and a Master of Science degree in business administration from Lamar University.

Before joining the President’s Office, Kettenbeil served for 15 years as vice chancellor for external relations at UM-Dearborn, overseeing communications, marketing and government relations. He previously served as director of communications for Smart USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, vice president of communications for the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee, and marketing manager for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau.