The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications has named Andy Hopson, a seasoned professional with more than 30 years of agency experience, as the Executive Director of its new Strategic Communication Agency, Dean Diane McFarlin announced today.  He will join the College in mid-July.

Hopson has played key leadership roles at several nationally known agencies, including Ruder Finn, Burson-Marsteller, Publicis and Ogilvy, representing such companies as Nestle, Smucker’s, Southwest Airlines, Westin Hotels and the CDC.  He served as President & COO of the EvansGroup from 1993 to 1998, and then served in the same role with Publicis Dialog, launching its U.S. operations after its acquisition of the EvansGroup.

“This is a particularly exciting hire for the College as we look to develop a new opportunity for our advertising and public relations students to build expertise in a hands-on environment, said McFarlin.  “Andy brings the background and experience to guide this new agency, broker strategic partnerships and ensure the services provided are top-notch.”

Hopson currently operates Real Good Idea, a Chicago-based firm that counsels small and mid-sized companies seeking marketing and branding guidance, advertising and public relations. Most recently he served as president of Noble, a 40-year-old advertising and public relations agency with offices in Chicago and Springfield, Mo.

Hopson earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations from Brigham Young University in 1980. He is a founding director of the Council of Public Relations Firms and is a long-time adviser to the BYU School of Communications.  He also served as public relations vice president and an early board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, writing the organization’s first marketing plan and steering the development of its national PSA campaign that helped it achieve prominence.

Posted: May 27, 2014
Category: College News, The Agency
Tagged as: The Agency