John Karman
John Karman

John Karman, veteran journalist and current communication specialist in the Office of Communications and Marketing, has been appointed interim media relations director at UofL.

Karman, a former Business First reporter who most recently covered the J.B. Speed School of Engineering and other areas for OCM, will assume the post recently vacated by Mark Hebert, who has taken a position as director of programming and production for the university.

Hebert is overseeing all work related to the “UofL Today with Mark Hebert” radio show on 93.9 FM, a new UofL blog and all university video and radio productions.

“Mark has done an outstanding job as director of media relations, and the radio program has launched to terrific reviews,” said Becky Simpson, senior associate vice president for communications and marketing. “John’s outstanding reputation and relationships among media will serve us well as Mark transitions to his new role. We’re excited about the important work both John and Mark will do for the university.”

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John Drees is a 35-year veteran in the Office of Communications and Marketing. As vice president, communications and marketing, he works closely with the president, provost and other senior administrators, oversees the Office of Communications and Marketing, including media relations, marketing and brand, broadcast, social media, internal communication, crisis communication, visitor services and special events and activities. A former sports editor for the Voice Newspapers, he was a regular contributor to a variety of publications, including the Kentucky Sports Report and the Courier-Journal. A poor but enthusiastic golfer, he is an avid Cardinal sports fan. He also loves the Detroit Lions, so pity him.