Meet the department

The Department of Marketing and Communications is represented by a diverse group of professionals who are able to assist and counsel the college community on a range of communication issues. In addition to media relations, the Department of Marketing and Communications is responsible for college publications, internal and external communications, speechwriting, editorial services, graphic design standards, advertising, website content, many special events and sponsorships, and photography. Contact us.

Photo of Becka Carroll Becka Carroll
Integrated Marketing Manager
401-825-1086
Becka works with various clients across CCRI to develop, write and execute marketing campaigns and collateral materials to support initiatives throughout the college. In collaboration with other members of the Marketing and Communications staff, she manages projects and helps ensure that messaging is effectively shared across channels, including emails, text messages, the college website and printed materials. She also assists with reviewing and proofreading written communications for the department. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in film media, Spanish and French from the University of Rhode Island.

Photo of Kristen Cyr Kristen Cyr
Public Relations Officer
401-825-1175
Kristen works to promote the college to an outside audience, writing press releases, answering media inquiries, helping journalists arrange interviews with faculty and staff and prepping interviewees for media appearances. She manages the college's online newsroom and is available to help college departments promote news items with features on the college’s home page. A former newspaper editor, she frequently reviews and proofreads brochures, newsletters, fliers and other publications. She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Rhode Island, where she has been an adjunct instructor in journalism since 2004.

Photo of David Fischbach David Fischbach
Communication Design Specialist
401-825-2082
Dave is the guy you see behind the camera at every college function. When he’s not taking photographs, Dave oversees the printing and production of the college’s publications. He is happy to answer any question you may have ... that is, if you can catch him.

Photo of Norm Grant Norm Grant
Videographer
401-825-1195
Norm produces digital video for marketing purposes, training and instruction. Prior to joining the department, Norm worked in the college's Department of Information Technology, where he produced video and assisted instructors with instructional technology. He began his career as a photojournalist. His photos have appeared in the New York Daily News, Boston Globe, New England Magazine, Hartford Courant, USA Today, Sailing World and Bloomberg Finance. He is also a documentary filmmaker and teaches CCRI communication courses as an adjunct instructor. Norm holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy as well as master's degrees in media studies and instructional technology from Rhode Island College.

Photo of Michael Parente Michael Parente
Writer
401-825-1249
With nearly two decades of experience as a media professional, Michael writes news and feature stories for the college’s website and publications. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, he worked as the New England Patriots beat writer for The Woonsocket Call and Pawtucket Times, covering each of the team’s first three Super Bowl wins. He later joined Patriots Football Weekly as a staff writer and is also the publicist for Rhode Island-based combat sports promotions CES Boxing and CES MMA.

Photo of Brendalee Peckham-Bell Brendalee Peckham-Bell
Senior Graphic Designer
401-825-2195
Brendalee has more than 20 years experience in the graphic design industry. Prior to joining CCRI, she served as senior graphic designer at Gilbert Design Associates in Providence, where she created many successful pieces for nonprofit and educational clients, including RISD, Brown, Agnes Scott and Bryant University. Her responsibilities include designing departmental fliers and brochures, posters, the school's commencement program, logos, ads and various publications. Brendalee has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design from Swain School of Design/SMU Dartmouth.

Photo of Courtney Sheridan Courtney Sheridan
Marketing Assistant
401-825-1249
Courtney assists with marketing, communications and advertising efforts with a focus in creating content for print, digital, email, video, social media and advertising campaigns. Giving a student perspective to the team, she also assists in developing and maintaining a cohesive presence for the college online including using new media channels, electronic newsletters and more. She earned her associate degree in General Studies with a focus in Business from the Community College of Rhode Island and is on track to graduate from the University of Rhode Island in May 2019 with her bachelor’s degree in marketing.