APCO, a global advisory and advocacy firm, has announced the appointment of Joel Curran as senior director. Curran brings extensive experience in higher education, crisis management, and corporate reputation to his new role. He will work with APCO’s Crisis, Corporate Reputation, and Education teams to advise senior leaders at various higher education institutions and support clients facing complex challenges.
Kelly Williamson, president of APCO North America, commented on the appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Joel to APCO. His deep expertise in higher education, crisis communications, and brand reputation—honed at some of the nation’s most prominent universities—will be invaluable to our clients not only in North Carolina, but across the region and throughout our global network. Joel’s strategic vision and proven leadership will help our clients build resilience, protect their reputations, and seize new opportunities in an ever-evolving landscape.”
Curran previously served as chief communications officer at the University of Southern California, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In these roles he advised university presidents and chancellors during significant initiatives and high-profile situations. His background also includes over twenty years in corporate affairs with leadership positions at The Walt Disney Company. He was recognized by Chicago PRSA as “Public Relations Professional of the Year.”
Eliot Hoff, executive director and lead of APCO’s Global Crisis practice said: “Joel’s arrival further strengthens APCO’s ability to serve as a trusted advisor to leaders facing unprecedented change. His firsthand experience guiding top-tier organizations through both opportunity and adversity makes him a tremendous asset to our clients. I look forward to collaborating with Joel to help our clients navigate the evolving business landscape and achieve their goals.”
Curran holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an executive education certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
