Bio

Viki Conner is a seasoned strategic communications and marketing leader who is currently pursuing doctoral studies in communication at the University of Illinois-Chicago with a focus on the role of technology in society. Drawing on two decades of experience spanning positions at the University of Chicago and the world’s largest PR agency, Edelman, her approach combines big-picture strategic opportunity identification with flawless attention-to-detail in developing and executing communication and marketing plans for the organizations she represents.

Most recently, Viki served as the Senior Associate Dean of Communications and Public Affairs at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. In this capacity, she oversaw the communications and events functions for the school during a period of rapid growth in enrollment and fundraising. With her leadership, she drove a major rebrand for the school while modernizing its external relations functions – investing in digital engagement, content marketing, events, and executive communication – to reach and engage new audiences in the school’s vital work. During her six years at Harris, she advised three deans through the announcement of new strategic initiatives, including six centers and institutes, three academic degree programs, and the opening of its award-winning facility, the Keller Center, in addition to navigating various issues, such as COVID-19 and D&I, at the school.

Before joining the University of Chicago, Viki spent 13 years with the global public relations agency, Edelman, where she served as Senior Vice President of Corporate and Public Affairs. Having worked in the agency’s Chicago, New York, and London offices, Viki brings extensive experience in corporate communications and brand positioning for Fortune 500 organizations across a wide range of sectors, including financial services, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, retail, and education. While at Edelman, she led corporate brand-building campaigns and reputation management initiatives for clients including GE Capital, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, CME Group, and SC Johnson, among others. She also led several consulting projects for the University of Chicago, as a client, in support of strategic initiatives of the President’s Office.

In addition to pursuing a Ph.D., Viki holds an M.A. in the social sciences with a concentration in sociology from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in public policy and French from Duke University. A downtown Chicago native, she resides in Lincoln Park with her husband and two daughters.