Evie Lazzarino, former communications director for the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda, Calif., has joined Claremont McKenna College as director of public affairs and communications. Lazzarino replaces interim acting director, Steve Siegel, who will remain at Claremont McKenna College as director of special gifts. Effective immediately, Lazzarino will serve as the primary contact for all media inquiries, as well as the official spokesperson for Claremont McKenna College. .
Lazzarino joins the College after an extensive national yearlong search. "Evie's significant experience in politics and public affairs will mesh very well with the College's needs and mission," said Dennis Mulhaupt, vice president for development and external relations.
As former director of communications at the Nixon Library, Lazzarino was responsible for the library's relations with the highest level of national and international media, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, CNN, and CBS Evening News.
Prior to joining the Nixon Library, Lazzarino spent five years as manager of community affairs for the Los Angeles Times where she managed various community, communications and public relations. She managed the Times' rapid response team for major incidents, such as the civil unrest following the Rodney King trial and the Northridge earthquake. In addition, she represented the Times on important civic groups such as Rebuild LA, the Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan's Earthquake Advisory Committee, and the Arts Program for Children in Inner City Schools. Before her service at the Times, she worked in public relations firms and as a corporate information specialist at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. Lazzarino holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas.
Claremont McKenna College is a highly selective, independent liberal arts college, educating leaders in business and public affairs. Founded in 1946 as Claremont Men's College, CMC became coeducational in 1976 and changed its name to Claremont McKenna College in 1981. CMC enrolls 1,000 students and is a member of The Claremont Colleges.