May 2, 2023
Grasso Named Executive Director for Communications Solutions
Jerry Grasso, whose in-the-trenches career includes managing communications for the Kansas Department of Labor during the COVID-19 pandemic and leading global communications for a Fortune 500 company, has been named Executive Director of Communications Solutions.
Jason Ellis, head of the Department of Communications and Agricultural Education, said he made the move in recognition of Grasso’s leadership in managing the marketing and communications responsibilities that the communications solutions unit fulfills for the College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension.
“Jerry’s extensive corporate and governmental communications experience has been invaluable to helping the College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension demonstrate their contributions to the state of Kansas and beyond,” Ellis said. “This communications and marketing unit has transformed with Jerry’s leadership, now providing indispensable communications and education expertise to its clientele.”
K-State Research and Extension’s communications solutions unit leads the organization’s efforts in developing communications and marketing strategy, including digital, social and print media.
Though his professional career has taken him across the globe, Grasso – a Texas native – initially earned his bachelor’s degree in history from K-State in 1991. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1992.
Grasso has been the Director of Communications Solutions since January 2022, following an 18-month stint as Director of Communications for the Kansas Department of Labor. Before that, he held positions as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the YMCA of Central Kentucky, senior communications consultant for Equifax, and Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Lexmark International, Inc.