Cara Cea

Cara Cea brings more than 20 years of communications and marketing leadership experience in higher education, with deep expertise in brand strategy, executive communications, media relations, digital innovation, storytelling, crisis communications, and data-informed marketing.

Most recently, Cara served as Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing and Senior Communications Officer at Manhattanville University, where she advised the president and senior leadership, led institutional branding and communications strategy, directed media relations and digital strategy, launched new and refreshed digital channels—including social media platforms and websites—and oversaw editorial initiatives, events, and crisis communications. She also helped guide the institution through its transition to university status.

Previously, Cara held senior communications roles at Pace University, where she led media relations, executive positioning, crisis communications, and reputation-building efforts across a complex, multi-campus university.

Cara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in International Studies and a Master of Science in Mass Media with a focus on Communications and Public Relations, both from Iona University.