David C. Dawson
Executive Director of University Relations
Phone (954) 262-2119
ddawson@nsu.nova.edu
David C. Dawson is the Executive Director of University Relations at Nova Southeastern University. As such, he serves as the university's overall marketing director and brand manager. He oversees the development and implementation of NSU's brand strategy and related messaging, while managing and coordinating all communications channels. The university's advertising and public affairs departments report directly to him.
Most recently, Dawson had been Group Director of Marketing Communications for Ryder System, Inc., after serving as Ryder's Director of Public Relations, and prior to that, Director of Advertising. He had previously held marketing leadership positions with American Hospital Supply, Deltona Corporation and Tinsley Advertising. He holds a BBA from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida.
Julie Spechler
Director of Public Affairs
Phone: (954) 262-5348
julies@nsu.nova.edu
Julie Spechler is the Director of Public Affairs at Nova Southeastern University. She is responsible for the development and implementation of NSU's public relations strategic plan for both internal and external audiences. As such, she oversees media relations at the local, regional, national and international levels and internal and external communications, such as the weekly electronic newsletter SharkBytes, NSU’s magazine Horizons, and the university’s Annual Report.
Prior to joining NSU, Spechler spent 25 years at AT&T, where she served as the company’s Public Relations Director for Florida. Her responsibilities included supporting the firm’s business and consumer efforts in a variety of PR initiatives, including media relations, employee communications, executive counseling, strategic philanthropy and public policy. Spechler got her start in the academia at Barry University, where she served as Alumni Director before joining AT&T/BellSouth.
Spechler has a B.S. in Journalism and Public Relations from University of Florida. She is currently pursuing her M.A. in Cross-Disciplinary Studies from NSU’s Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Gabriela J. Vignolo
Director of Marketing Communications
Office of University Relations
Phone (954) 262-5355
gabyjv@nsu.nova.edu
Gabriela J. Vignolo is the Director of Marketing Communications for Nova Southeastern University. In her role, Vignolo supports university-wide advertising and promotional initiatives. She has professional experience in all areas of mass communication, including broadcasting, advertising, and public relations. Vignolo previously served as the Associate Director of Public Affairs at NSU. Prior to joining the university, she was the Communications Director for a Fort Lauderdale firm which produces art festivals nationwide. Vignolo also served as a producer and publicist for WPBT Channel 2 in Miami.
Vignolo holds a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications with a concentration in television and radio production from the University of Florida, and a Master of Science in Integrated Communications: Advertising & Public Relations from Florida International University.
Mara L. Kiffin
Associate Director of Internal Communications
Phone (954) 262-5350
mkiffin@nsu.nova.edu
Mara L. Kiffin is the Associate Director of Internal Communications for Nova Southeastern University. In her role, Kiffin works to enhance the NSU brand and communicate important information about the University’s activities and events. She works collaboratively with academic, student and central administrative units to provide NSU and its visitors with seamless digital information systems. She joined NSU in 2000 and has previously served as the Assistant Director of Public Affairs at NSU.
Kiffin has a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University, and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from NSU. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Florida Atlantic University, pursing a Ph.D. in Comparative Studies.