Clough named director of marketing and strategic communications
J. Christopher Clough, of Leesburg, Va., has been named director of marketing and strategic communications at Virginia Tech.
Clough has 20 years of extensive experience in corporate marketing and strategic communications. He has served as program manager of communications for IBM and corporate communications manager for Ford Aerospace. At IBM Clough was part many brand introductions and worked on early Internet efforts for IBM.
He also served as vice president and account supervisor for Ketchum Worldwide where he worked extensively on the MCI and Capital One accounts. From 1996 to 2001, he was vice president of corporate marketing and communications at Network Solutions Inc., where he served as chief spokesman and established the company as one of the most successful Internet companies in the world. Clough developed the communications campaign for the then largest IPO in NASDAQ history and oversaw international marketing initiatives. He helped Network Solutions win awards for corporate growth, visibility, and brand, including the 1997 Smithsonian & Computerworld Technology Award for Innovation.
Earlier in his career Clough won awards for corporate communication campaigns and corporate video production. He served as a judge for the Strategy Board Competition for the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland; and was a national judge for the United Way communications awards. He most recently has been with Clough Communications Group in Leesburg.
A 1981 graduate of Virginia Tech, Clough received a bachelor’s in communications-journalism and has worked in radio and television news. He also took graduate marketing courses at the University of Maryland, College Park.
As director of marketing and strategic communications at Virginia Tech, Clough will oversee the University’s marketing and branding plans including oversight of licensing and trademarks and will also aid the content development for the University’s web communications.
“We are delighted to have someone of Chris’ experience here at Virginia Tech,” said Larry Hincker, associate vice president of university relations. “With his background in corporate communications and experience with broad marketing initiatives, he will work to enhance the already strong Virginia Tech brand and ensure consistent and clear communications for the University’s target audiences.
“As an alumnus, it gives me great pleasure to return to Virginia Tech, with its proud history based in quality, innovation and results. I look forward working with all the University’s stakeholders and helping to position Virginia Tech for a great future,” said Clough.
