Allegheny College announces the appointment of Jessica Schindelar as Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications. Schindelar joins her alma mater (Allegheny College ‘02) with nearly 20 years of experience advancing institutional missions, reputations, and public trust through clear, engaging, and audience-centered communication. Schindelar most recently served in senior leadership roles at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she led enterprise digital marketing and communications.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jessica to the team. Her background and accomplishments while at the CDC and her deep love of Allegheny position her for success as a leader and strategic partner,” said Jennifer Winge, vice president for enrollment management.
Schindelar is a strategic marketing and communications leader who brings deep expertise in integrated marketing, digital strategy, crisis and issues management, and audience engagement, with a track record of translating complex and high-stakes issues into clear, credible, and actionable communication.
“Returning to my alma mater is both an honor and a homecoming, and I’m excited to help advance the College’s mission by strengthening how we tell its story, engage our community, and position Allegheny for continued impact and growth,” said Schindelar.
Schindelar’s time at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is notable for the depth and breadth of communications strategies she led enterprise-wide. She advised senior leaders on messaging and digital communications risk, supported high-visibility initiatives, and oversaw multidisciplinary teams.
Schindelar is particularly known for her work leading crisis communications for major public health and healthcare initiatives, including national response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency responses to Ebola and Zika. She directed healthcare quality and patient safety communications, guided risk and vaccine safety messaging, and partnered with clinicians, professional associations, and public institutions to deliver timely, actionable guidance. She also played a foundational role in building and scaling CDC’s social media presence, shaping strategy, content, and engagement during some of the agency’s most visible moments.
Schindelar will apply her expertise to lead efforts to amplify Allegheny’s brand, student and alumni success stories, and the innovative initiatives stemming from the Strategic Pathway.
Schindelar holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Allegheny College and a Master of Public Health in Behavioral Science and Health Education from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.
