AMHERST, N.Y. – Rachel Leidenfrost has been appointed to the newly created position of associate vice president of marketing and communications at Daemen College. Her appointment is effective Aug. 13.

In this role, Leidenfrost will lead Daemen’s marketing initiatives, brand strategy, and plan development and implementation, and will also oversee the areas of marketing, communications, and publications.

“Rachel brings tremendous energy and marketing skills to this role, and we are confident she will be a strong leader in building an integrated marketing and communications program for our college,” said Daemen President Gary Olson. “As we look to further elevate Daemen’s prominence and academic excellence, this position will be vital to bolstering our enrollment efforts and raising the profile of our high quality programs.”

Leidenfrost brings to Daemen more than 15 years of marketing and communications experience, having most recently served as chief communications officer at Meals on Wheels for Western New York. She previously was vice president of strategic internal communications at M&T Bank and worked in marketing in the retail industry.

“I’m thrilled to join such an exemplary team, and I look forward to collaborating on enhancing Daemen’s reputation as a college of national distinction,” said Leidenfrost. “It will be a great honor to serve in this new role and to help bring increased visibility to Daemen’s exceptional programs and advance it as a college of choice for students locally and beyond.”

Active in the community and involved with various organizations, Leidenfrost serves on the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs Marketing and Membership Committee and volunteers with the Junior League of Buffalo.

Leidenfrost earned an MBA with a concentration in marketing from Canisius College and a bachelor’s degree in public communications from SUNY Buffalo State. She is also a graduate of the Health Leadership Fellows Program and Leadership Buffalo.

A lifelong Western New Yorker and native of Arcade, she resides in Buffalo.