Our New SVP for Communications and Public Affairs
Dear faculty and staff colleagues,
I am delighted to share the news that Hellen Hom-Diamond has been appointed Bowdoin’s next senior vice president for communications and public affairs, effective July 1, 2026.
Hellen brings more than two decades of experience leading communications in educational institutions, with particular strength in strategic communications, digital media, crisis communication, and storytelling. Across her career, she has helped institutions articulate who they are, build trust with the people they serve, and tell their stories authentically.
Hellen previously served as vice president for strategic marketing and communications at Trinity College. Before joining Trinity, Hellen served as chief communications officer at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC, and at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT, where she directed communications strategy, media relations, and crisis response. Earlier in her career, she spent six years at Yale University, including as director of campus communications, and nine years at the UCLA Alumni Association, where she led online communications and alumni engagement strategies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Columbia University.
I know that Hellen will be an excellent partner to colleagues across the College, leading the talented team in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs in the important work of helping people understand, experience, and connect with Bowdoin.
Hellen and her husband, David, look forward to joining the Bowdoin community and to enjoying many adventures in Maine. Their daughter, a rising first-year at Trinity College, is also excited to meet new friends and to explore the area.
Hellen’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search, and I am grateful to the members of our search committee for their careful work. She succeeds Scott Hood, senior vice president for communications and public affairs emeritus, who has returned to the College to lead the communications and public affairs team in an interim capacity these past few months. I am thankful to Scott for his willingness to serve in this role and for his many outstanding contributions to Bowdoin over the years.
I look forward to welcoming Hellen to Bowdoin in the weeks ahead. Please join me in congratulating her on her appointment.
All my best,
I am delighted to share the news that Hellen Hom-Diamond has been appointed Bowdoin’s next senior vice president for communications and public affairs, effective July 1, 2026.
Hellen brings more than two decades of experience leading communications in educational institutions, with particular strength in strategic communications, digital media, crisis communication, and storytelling. Across her career, she has helped institutions articulate who they are, build trust with the people they serve, and tell their stories authentically.
Hellen previously served as vice president for strategic marketing and communications at Trinity College. Before joining Trinity, Hellen served as chief communications officer at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC, and at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT, where she directed communications strategy, media relations, and crisis response. Earlier in her career, she spent six years at Yale University, including as director of campus communications, and nine years at the UCLA Alumni Association, where she led online communications and alumni engagement strategies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Columbia University.
I know that Hellen will be an excellent partner to colleagues across the College, leading the talented team in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs in the important work of helping people understand, experience, and connect with Bowdoin.
Hellen and her husband, David, look forward to joining the Bowdoin community and to enjoying many adventures in Maine. Their daughter, a rising first-year at Trinity College, is also excited to meet new friends and to explore the area.
Hellen’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search, and I am grateful to the members of our search committee for their careful work. She succeeds Scott Hood, senior vice president for communications and public affairs emeritus, who has returned to the College to lead the communications and public affairs team in an interim capacity these past few months. I am thankful to Scott for his willingness to serve in this role and for his many outstanding contributions to Bowdoin over the years.
I look forward to welcoming Hellen to Bowdoin in the weeks ahead. Please join me in congratulating her on her appointment.
All my best,
Safa