TTU System Leadership Announcements
August 23, 2011 | Written by Dailey Fuller
Russ Bookbinder will join the Office of Research & Commercialization to foster corporate relations and enhance overall marketing efforts related to research and commercialization, effective Sept. 1, 2011.
鈥淲ith more than 30 years in the private sector as a leader and marketing expert, along with the internal and external relationships he has built during his years of serving the system, Russ will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our office,鈥� Jodey Arrington, vice chancellor for research, commercialization and federal relations, said. 鈥淏uilding corporate partnerships around system research are critical to our success, and having Russ on our team to place a specific focus on these areas will allow us to reach and exceed our goals.鈥�
Also effective Sept. 1, 2011, Russell Thomasson will become chief of staff and Robert Giovannetti will join the TTU System as director of communications.
Thomasson, a 1998 Texas Tech University graduate and 2001 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, has served as special assistant and counsel to the chancellor since 2007 and chairman of the board of the National Institute for Renewable Energy since 2010.
Giovannetti will work with the TTU System鈥檚 component institutions on communications and marketing efforts and manage media relations on behalf of the Chancellor鈥檚 Office and the TTU System.
鈥淩obert has more than 23 years experience in the media industry, and his understanding of the field will allow us to continue the positive growth we have experienced with our statewide and national profile,鈥� Kent Hance, chancellor of the TTU System, said. 鈥淗is expertise and leadership make Robert an outstanding choice for the position and will be invaluable in expanding our prominence and the TTU System brand.
Prior to joining the TTU System, Giovannetti was the sports director for KJTV-TV (FOX affiliate) in Lubbock.
Giovannetti earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree from Texas Tech University in 1986. He and his wife, Donna, who is also a Texas Tech University graduate, have a daughter named Rachel.