KU Innovation Park named Lindsey Slater as its first-ever vice president of strategic communications. In this role, Slater will focus on raising brand awareness of the Park to drive market expansion, support resident companies and expand business development opportunities to assist private industry recruitment.
“We are enthused to welcome Lindsey to the team,” said LaVerne Epp, the Park’s executive chair. “Her expertise in both communications and in the regional economic development environment will be vital to sharing the story of the Park, its companies and our vision.”
Most recently, Slater served as the director of communications and storytelling for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, an organization representing 9,000 leaders from 1,300 chambers of commerce around the world. Slater started her career in broadcast journalism as a reporter and producer, eventually becoming news director at 6News in Lawrence. She then spent six years as communications director at The Chamber of Lawrence, learning about the local business community and fostering relationships with local leaders, including the Park’s founding partners.
“The work done by KU Innovation Park is crucial to our local and regional economy,” Slater said. “I’m excited to help share the story of the Park and its companies. What’s being accomplished on West Campus will transform our city, region and state for the better, and I’m thrilled to play a small part in that.”
Slater earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Medill School at Northwestern University. Slater and her husband, George Diepenbrock, reside in Lawrence and have two children, Will and Neve.