Portsmouth Abbey School is thrilled to announce the hiring of Kristine Hendrickson as Director of Marketing and Communications, a newly expanded position within the senior administration. Previously, Hendrickson served as the Sr. Associate Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Salve Regina University in Newport, providing strategic leadership for the institution’s internal and external communication functions, including print, public relations, community and government relations, constituent marketing, digital media and university special events. During her tenure, she was also the primary spokesperson for the university, steering crisis communication efforts. Hendrickson and her team guided the University’s pandemic response, creating a virtual site for engagement and communications that led to national recognition for Salve Regina.
Hendrickson has experience with enhancing brand and institutional identity and has worked to promote faculty achievement and garner recognition for academic success through various public relations and marketing efforts. Her professional background also includes work in broadcast production and reporting, conferences and special events, sponsorships, and exposition management. She has handled national and international publicity for events featuring Elie Wiesel, Ambassador of Israel to the United States, Michael Oren, His Serene Highness Prince Hans Adam II von Liechtenstein and His Holiness the Dalai Lama among others.
Hendrickson received a bachelor's degree from Ithaca College and a master's degree from Universiteit van Amsterdam in the Netherlands. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at both Salve Regina University and the University of Rhode Island and was the advisor to Salve Regina’s student dance organization. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and PRSA Southeastern New England, and holds the distinction of being the first woman inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Newport Gulls, a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL).
When asked to reflect on her transition from Salve Regina to Portsmouth Abbey, Hendrickson said “I am fortunate to be transitioning from an academic community with a mission rooted in mercy, to one inspired by grace. This is a rare gift. I look forward to building upon local partnerships that have been established during my time at Salve Regina, and to forging new relationships that will benefit the Portsmouth Abbey community. There is a rich history here, as well as a vibrancy that resonates throughout the school. I am excited to share in this experience and to help others witness it as well.”
“The addition of Kristine Hendrickson to our leadership team brings another dimension of expertise in terms of how we communicate with alumni, parents, students and friends, as well as with how we present Portsmouth Abbey to a broader range of families looking for the educational opportunities that evolve from a strong Benedictine mission” said Head of School Matt Walter. “As the Director of Marketing and Communications, Ms. Hendrickson will play an important role in the evolution of our outreach efforts leading to our 100th Anniversary. We are delighted she was able to join us.”