Accomplished Leader to Advance Page’s Strategic Vision of Growth, Global Engagement, and Impact
For Immediate Release
Monday, December 9, 2024
New York – The Page Society Board of Trustees unanimously voted on December 5 to appoint Dr. Rochelle Ford, APR, most recently president of Dillard University, as the organization’s new chief executive officer. She will succeed Roger Bolton, who announced earlier this year that he would step down at the end of 2024 after 13 years in the role. Dr. Ford, an active Page member for nearly a decade, and the recipient of the Page Distinguished Service Award brings to Page a career in leadership, communication education and global advocacy with a longstanding commitment to the mission of Page.
“Rochelle is a highly respected leader and an innovative builder of organizations,” said Kelli Parsons, chair of the Page Board of Trustees and CEO of Hill & Knowlton. Rochelle will advance Page’s strategic vision, and together we will strengthen the transformative role of communication in business and society and continue to grow Page as the premier global community for the world’s most impactful and influential communication leaders. As we look forward to Rochelle’s leadership, we share the deepest gratitude for Roger Bolton’s exceptional service to Page and his enduring imprint on our profession. We are grateful for Roger’s commitment to this leadership transition and value his continued service as a Page trustee.”
As president of Dillard University and in other leadership roles, Dr. Ford has demonstrated her ability to balance financial health and organizational impact while creating a culture of excellence. Dr. Ford also served as dean of the School of Communications at Elon University, overseeing over 1,400 students across various award-winning programs. At Syracuse University, she chaired the Public Relations Department at the S.I. Newhouse School and co-chaired the University’s accreditation process as a Provost Faculty Fellow.
Her leadership has directly shaped many of today’s accomplished CCOs, agency presidents, and senior communications leaders. Her deep understanding of the chief communication officer role, coupled with her experience mentoring high-performing teams, and leveraging digital strategies, makes her extremely qualified to lead Page.
“Rochelle is an exceptional leader whose vision and expertise align perfectly with Page’s mission to strengthen the CCO as an essential business leader,” said Aedhmar Hynes, chair of the Page CEO Search Committee. “Her unanimous selection reflects our confidence in her ability to guide our community forward. As a long-time Page member, Rochelle has already made an impact, leading diversity efforts and conducting award-winning research that shaped best practices for our profession. She is greatly positioned to lead Page into the future.”
The new CEO appointment follows an extensive global search, guided by a dedicated search committee, which includes seven Page and Page Up members as well as Jean Allen and Paula Davis of the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles. As Page continues to expand its influence and support for the strategic communication community, Dr. Ford’s leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s strategic objectives.
“I am honored to serve as the next CEO of Page and continue building on the many successes that came under the leadership of my good friend, Page’s current CEO, Roger Bolton,” said Dr. Ford. “Page’s commitment to supporting CCOs in their transformative role is critical to the success of modern business. I look forward to fostering growth, innovation, and diversity while elevating Page’s presence on the global stage.”
An Ohio native, Dr. Ford holds degrees from Howard (BA), Maryland (MA), Southern Illinois (PhD) universities and graduate certificates from Harvard University (higher education administration) and Clark Atlanta University (executive leadership). Dr. Ford spent 16 years at Howard University, mentoring African American public relations professionals and advancing diversity in the industry. She is also the co-editor of a book series on the sustainability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and co-editor of the memoir of Ofield Dukes, a Page Hall of Fame inductee, entrepreneur and civil rights leader. A PRWeek Hall of Fame Inductee, she has received the PRSA’s Outstanding Educator Award and D. Parke Gibson Multiculturalism Award, The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations’ Milestones in Mentoring Award and the National Black Public Relations Society’s Founders Award.
Dr. Ford will begin her tenure as CEO on January 2, 2025.
Page is the premier global professional association for senior strategic communication leaders. It brings together the world’s best communicators to become stronger leaders by learning together, helping each other, imagining a better future for corporate communication and bringing that future to life.
This elite community includes the chief communication officers of leading global companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies; the CEOs of public relations firms and other companies that serve the strategic communication function of major corporations; and distinguished educators at leading business and communication schools. Membership is selected through peer nomination only, with strict nomination criteria. For more information, visit www.page.org.
Anabella Tinoco
Vice President, Communications and Marketing
atinoco@page.org