Jody Sommer

Jody Sommer, Senior Director of Interdisciplinary Projects for External Relations is responsible for developing and implementing projects that enhance the goals of the External Relations Department of the Jones Graduate School. This position provides leadership that includes strategic planning, the creation of new projects or enhancement of existing projects, and implementation of project initiatives, such as contributing to the development of the division's campaign business plan, assisting with prospect and speaker identification, speaker engagement, and donor recognition for the Jones Graduate School of Business and guiding the executive board of Rice Business Partners.  Jody has been employed at the Jones School since 2011 and has held various operations and corporate relations roles within the External Relations department.

Jody previously held the position of Executive Director at City ArtWorks, a non-profit arts education organization from 2008 until 2011. Prior to joining City ArtWorks, Jody held the position of Senior Vice President, Professional Services at Procuri (now Ariba) from 2002 to 2006. Before that, she served as Global Commodity Sourcing Leader at GE Capital from 1996 to 2000. She began her career with Marriott Corporation in 1986 and her first role was in Employee Communications.

Jody attended Georgetown University where she received a BS in Foreign Service, and American University, where she received an MA in Arts Management.