John Wallace, former communications professional with VCU Massey Cancer Center, will join the VCU School of Dentistry on Oct. 11. As Director of Communications, he fills a new role at the school, one created by Interim Dean Clara Spatafore, D.D.S., M.S.

“Strong institutional communications are critical to our mission,” Spatafore says. “John Wallace brings multifaceted skills, talents and experience to this new position where he will lead student-, staff- and school-facing communications initiatives and strategy.”

For more than a decade, Wallace served as assistant director of communications at VCU Massey Cancer Center where he supervised and mentored a team of specialists responsible for social media management, brand management, community engagement, sponsorships and multimedia content creation in support of Massey’s research, patient care and educational priorities. Prior to Massey, he led public relations efforts at the YMCA of Greater Richmond and community relations programming at Valley Program for Aging Services in Harrisonburg, Va.

He is an award-winning public relations strategist and tactician with notable photography, videography, social media, and creative skills. 

During his first month on board, Wallace will meet with each School of Dentistry program manager and department chair as well as associate deans and members of human resources and IT. 

He will work closely with Patrice Gray, marketing director for VCU Dental Care and director of continuing education, and with Nan Johnson, director of development and alumni relations communications in the Advancement Office.