Ben Cloutier has been appointed as the executive director of strategic communications for University Communication and Marketing at The University of New Mexico (UNM). In this new role, Cloutier will oversee and coordinate communications and marketing activities across the university.
Cloutier steps into the position following the retirement of Cinnamon Blair, who served as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at UNM for over 20 years.
Before joining UNM, Cloutier was senior director of strategy and communications at Project ECHO. There, he led global communications, marketing, and outreach strategies. His work involved collaboration with local stakeholders in New Mexico, international partners, global health organizations, regional hubs, and funders to develop campaigns that supported and expanded ECHO’s network on state, national, and international levels.
Cloutier also held several leadership roles in communications within New Mexico state government. His positions included director of communications for the Regulation and Licensing Department, Taxation and Revenue Department, and Economic Development Department. In 2018, he was appointed director of communications and assistant chief of staff to the governor. He later served as director of presidential communications at the University of Texas at Arlington.
A graduate of UNM with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Psychology, Cloutier has also been admitted to Harvard Kennedy School for a mid-career master’s in public administration program starting in summer 2026.
“It’s an honor to serve my alma mater in this role and to work alongside such talented professionals across campus,” Cloutier said. “Our communications and marketing teams play a vital role in telling UNM’s story — from groundbreaking research and health innovation to the impact our students and faculty have across New Mexico. I’m looking forward to strengthening connections across the University and continuing to elevate UNM’s voice and reputation.”
“I am delighted to have Ben leading strategic communications for The University of New Mexico,” said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes. “Ben brings a broad and valuable range of experience to our team, as well as a genuine passion for UNM. His leadership will help ensure that we speak with one voice about the University’s contributions to New Mexico and beyond.”
Communications and marketing professionals throughout UNM will continue working together under Cloutier’s leadership. The goal is to align strategies that strengthen collaboration and consistency while advancing UNM’s mission and highlighting its impact both within New Mexico and globally.
