Former Ford, NBC director is new VP for University Relations

Chambers spent the past 15 years in communications management at Ford Motor Company, including separate assignments as director of strategic issues, corporate and internal communications and international public affairs.

Prior to his appointments at Ford, Chambers served in production and management positions at NBC News. He produced documentaries, managed the network's election coverage and directed foreign news operations in Europe and Asia. He received a B.A. in history from Yale University.

"Al Chambers is an extremely skilled and experienced communications professional with proven leadership and organizational abilities," said President Sonnenschein. "In his new capacity, he will work closely with all of us as he guides the development and implementation of communications strategies."

In an announcement to the faculty, Sonnenschein said Chambers will have overall responsibility for presenting the University to those who are already aware of Chicago or who might potentially be interested in the University, including the general public, shapers of public opinion in the media and government, and corporate and civic leaders at local, national and international levels.

Chambers will also be responsible for guiding the News and Publications Offices to combine new technologies with traditional communications methods to gain more attention and recognition for "the ground-breaking research, innovative teaching and remarkable achievements of our extraordinary faculty and students," said Sonnenschein.