WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Board of Directors has approved the hiring of Katie Bell – a marketing and communications professional with over 25 years of experience in corporate, economic-development and higher-education environments – as vice president for communications and marketing.
Bell comes to Penn College from Textron Systems, where she is senior director, marketing and events; she will begin her duties with the college on June 2. Bell succeeds Joseph S. Yoder, associate vice president for public relations and marketing, who will retire June 30 after 25 years with the college.
As vice president for communications and marketing, Bell will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Penn College’s communications and marketing strategies, playing a critical role in shaping the college's public image and driving brand awareness. She will lead a team of writers and editors, marketing and advertising professionals, print and web designers, video producers and photographers, as well as staff in digital publishing and document and mail services.
Bell will also serve as a college spokesperson and advise the president and administration on communications related to crisis management. She will be a member of President’s Council and report directly to the president.
“Katie is an exceptional thought leader with excellent marketing, business and communication skills,” said Penn College President Michael J. Reed. “She has high expectations for herself and others and has earned a reputation of bringing out the best within her team. Her business, marketing, communications and government-relations skills will address vital needs and align well with our mission and team.”
At Textron Systems, Bell has served as senior director, marketing and events since January 2022. Previously, she was director, defense marketing for the company. At Lycoming Engines, Bell served as director of marketing, communications and public affairs; director of marketing and communications; and communications and government relations manager. She has also worked at IMC Inc. as innovation and market development consultant and Keystone Innovation Zone coordinator. In higher education, she worked for Bucknell University, as assistant director for student and parent initiatives, and Lycoming College, as director of alumni and parent programs.
Bell holds a Master of Business Administration from the Jack Welch Management Institute, Strayer University, Herndon, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration: marketing and finance tracks from Lycoming College. She is a graduate of Leadership Lycoming and has completed a variety of other leadership training activities.
“I am honored to serve as vice president for communications and marketing at Pennsylvania College of Technology,” Bell said. “I look forward to leading its dedicated and talented team and fostering collaboration across the campus community and beyond. Penn College stands at the forefront of innovative educational opportunities for students and industry, and I am excited to help elevate and share its distinctive vision and stories.”
Penn College, a special mission affiliate of Penn State, is a national leader in applied technology education. For more, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.