Sumner Named Florida Tech University Relations VP

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Wes Sumner has been named to the newly created position of Associate Vice President for University Relations at Florida Institute of
Technology, effective Dec. 15. He will report to Kenneth Stackpoole, Senior Vice President for Advancement.

“We feel very fortunate to have Wes join us. He not only has the breadth of experience to lead the diverse offices of University Relations, but he comes
with years of experience as a communications leader in a university setting,” said Stackpoole.

At Florida Tech, Sumner will serve as university spokesperson and will oversee the offices for communications, marketing, creative services, athletic
communications and the WFIT radio station.

“I’m excited to be joining the Florida Tech team,” Sumner said. “It is an outstanding institution that offers students exceptional learning opportunities.
Universities are, essentially, about people — and Florida Tech has dedicated faculty and staff making important contributions in teaching, learning and
research. I look forward to helping to share that message far and wide.”

Most recently, Sumner was director of district communications and public information for Brevard Public Schools, where he led a staff of 12. He managed all
primary communications functions, including media relations, crisis communications, the district television station and non-profit foundation. He also
acted as district spokesperson.

Prior to his work at Brevard Public Schools, Sumner spent almost a decade working for the University System of Georgia. Most recently, he served at Georgia
Southwestern State University in Americus for nearly six years and left as director of university relations. While there, he led a variety of communication
management efforts that included alumni relations, media relations, crisis communications, marketing and development.

His early career included other communications positions in academia at Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University. He also logged TV,
radio, newspaper and video production experience.

Sumner earned a bachelor’s degree double majoring in journalism and political science at the University of Central Florida and holds a master of education
degree in educational leadership from Valdosta State. Both degrees were with honors.

He is the recipient of many career honors. These include “One of the 20 Most Influential young Leaders in Sumter County” by the Americus Times-Recorder in
2007; nomination as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s “40 under 40” in 2003; graduate of Leadership Brevard in 2008; and recipient of several Council for the
Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) awards for excellence in programs, publishing and media relations.

Sumner and his family reside in Titusville, where he was an honor graduate of Astronaut High School. He and his wife, Rachael, have 4-year-old twins Sarah
Grace and Jonah.