Communications, branding and media expert Gabrielle Gambrell is currently serving industry leading and award-winning sports, media, entertainment, consumer, technology and lifestyle brands, as well as talent and influencers. She was Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Barnard College of Columbia University, the most selective institution in the U.S. devoted to empowering extraordinary women. Reporting to the President of the College in a cabinet-level position, Gambrell made history in her role as both the first Black woman to hold her title, as well as the youngest since the College’s founding in 1889.
Executing sophisticated, robust and ambitious marketing communications tactics to promote and increase visibility and support strategic goals are Gambrell’s baseline strengths. She’s led award-winning marketing, internal and external communications, events, and multimedia storytelling via digital, print, video, editorial and creative design teams. Gambrell has led triumphant media relations and strategic crisis, news and issues communications.
Gambrell’s a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion. Prior to Barnard, she was worldwide Director of Communications and Public Relations at FCB Global, an advertising agency with offices in over 80 countries. She led worldwide partnerships to change consumer behavior to the benefit of its clients, staff and society. Prior to FCB, Gambrell was Director of Communications for NBCUniversal in support of the corporation’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. While at NBCUniversal, she advised NBCUniversal’s Young Professionals Network, which cultivates early-in-career employees. Before working for NBCUniversal, Gambrell was Manager of Communications for CBS Corporation and a charter member of CBS’ first diversity council. Gambrell is a Columbia University and NYU professor teaching courses in integrated marketing, digital and social media, media relations, corporate communications and more. She’s a speaker and authority on diversity, equity and inclusion and career development. An honors graduate of Iona College (M.A., Sports & Entertainment Public Relations and B.A., Television, Video Production & Film), Gambrell received their Rising Star Award in 2018 for early-career achievements.
She’s been named to PRNEWS’ 2020 list of Top Women in PR and PRWeek’s 2019 Hall of Femme as a Woman To Watch. Originally from Los Angeles, she now resides in New York with her husband, son and daughter.