吃瓜头条 President Chris Vitelli has been named the recipient of the PROmoter Award from the Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO), a statewide honor recognizing a community college CEO who demonstrates exceptional leadership in supporting marketing, communications and public relations.
Presented at the CCPRO Annual Conference in Paso Robles on April 9, the award reflects Vitelli鈥檚 consistent commitment to ensuring that the story of 吃瓜头条 is shared clearly, authentically and with impact. Since becoming president in 2017, he has prioritized transparent communication, invested in building a strong External Relations team, and fostered a culture that values creativity, innovation and strategic storytelling.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored by this recognition, and especially proud of the work our External Relations team does every day to share the 吃瓜头条 story,鈥� Vitelli said. 鈥淎s we continue to innovate and expand opportunities for students, it鈥檚 critical that our community understands who we are, what we stand for, and the impact we鈥檙e making. Strong branding, storytelling and communication are key to building that understanding and advancing our vision for the future.鈥�
Under Vitelli鈥檚 leadership, 吃瓜头条 has launched forward-thinking efforts such as the Dreamscape Learn virtual reality lab and the national Bellwether Award-winning AgTEC Workforce Initiative. These and other advancements have expanded opportunities for students while creating meaningful, compelling stories that connect the college with its community and elevate its reputation at the state and national level.
Vitelli鈥檚 support has also helped establish one of the most consistently recognized communications teams in the California Community College system. Over the past four years, 吃瓜头条 has earned 38 CCPRO awards, including back-to-back years with the most awards in the state, as well as three CASE awards鈥攊ncluding two national Circle of Excellence Awards鈥攃ompeting alongside four-year universities.
鈥淥ur team鈥檚 success over the past several years is a direct reflection of President Vitelli鈥檚 leadership,鈥� said Jill Cunningham, Vice President of External Relations. 鈥淗e has built a culture where communications is valued as a strategic function, where creativity and innovation are encouraged, and where we鈥檙e supported in raising the bar. That combination has allowed our team to do its best work and consistently be recognized at the highest levels.鈥�
The CCPRO Awards recognize excellence in marketing, communications and public relations efforts among California鈥檚 116 community colleges. Hundreds of entries are submitted each year and judged by marketing and communications professionals from throughout the state.
At this year鈥檚 conference, 吃瓜头条 earned seven awards, including three first-place finishes, continuing a multi-year track record of excellence. The college claimed awards in the following categories:
Gold
Annual Report 鈥� 2024 Annual Report
Email / Digital / Print Newsletter 鈥� Blue Devil鈥檚 Advocate
Photography: Mobile Device 鈥� Pool Practice at Sunset
Silver
Banner / Outdoor Media 鈥� Dreamscape Learn Billboard
Bronze
Video: Special Message 鈥� Share Something Good
Photography: Charles Cropsey Award 鈥� 吃瓜头条 Fountain
Logo Design 鈥� College for Kids