Crystal Brown Named Chief Communications Officer at National Geographic Society

Crystal Brown has been named chief communications officer at the National Geographic Society. In this role, she oversees brand strategy, strategic communications, content integration, digital and social media, public policy, and all creative assets, including photography and video.

Brown brings more than 20 years of marketing and strategic communications experience to the Society, including service spanning several mission-driven organizations, nonprofits, foundations and higher education institutions. Most recently, she served as executive vice president at D.C.-based Hager Sharp.

Brown’s prior experience includes roles at two nationally ranked universities. She served on the president’s cabinet as vice president and chief communications officer at Howard University. During her tenure, Brown led the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications and branding strategy for the institution and its assets, advancing the reputation of the university, Howard University Hospital, and its 13 schools and colleges. She had previously served as chief communications officer and spokesperson for the University of Maryland, where she oversaw the school’s strategic communications efforts and approach.