Tressa Presley-McLeod named Director for University Communications and Marketing at USF Sarasota-Manatee

Regional Chancellor Karen Holbrook has named Tressa Presley-McLeod Director of University Communications and Marketing for the Sarasota-Manatee campus. Presley-McLeod previously served as interim director and associate director. She stepped into her new role this summer. 
 
“Tressa has done an incredible job leading our communications and marketing team during a pivotal moment in the history of the Sarasota-Manatee campus,” Holbrook said. “Whether it’s telling the story of our new Student Center and Atala Residence Hall, supporting advancement initiatives or promoting new academic programs, Tressa’s enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to the USF Sarasota-Manatee brand and story have made a real difference in how people, on our campus and in the community, view the university.” 
 
As director, Presley-McLeod will continue to lead campus communications and marketing efforts, including executive communications, brand management, media relations, paid media strategy and event promotion, in alignment with campus initiatives and university strategic goals. Since joining the office in 2023, she has supported strategic initiatives and events, such as Brunch on the Bay and HospitaBull, as well as upcoming campus expansion projects, including the student center and residence hall opening this month. 
 
“Stepping into this role during such a transformational time of growth and expansion is truly exciting,” said Presley-McLeod. “USF just celebrated its one-year anniversary of joining the AAU and, on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, we are about to open the doors to our first-ever Student Center and Atala Residence Hall. 

“I look forward to growing alongside USF and this wonderful community,” Presley-McLeod said. “This achievement wouldn't be possible without the incredible team I have the privilege of leading. Together, we'll continue to share the stories that define our campus and its bright future.” 
  
Prior to joining the close-knit USF Sarasota-Manatee community, Presley-McLeod spent nearly a decade in marketing and communications at the University of Mississippi as a graphic web designer and special projects manager. There, she implemented a project management system, developed comprehensive digital communications policies and procedures, spearheaded the development and maintenance of the university's pandemic response website and managed digital recruitment and community engagement campaigns for the university. She has additional leadership experience at a Fortune 500 company, as a marketing/branding consultant, and at small and medium independent businesses. 
 
Presley-McLeod holds a master of business administration from the University of Mississippi, a bachelor of science in horticulture and business from Mississippi State University and a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design from the University of South Alabama. 
 
“I love the people, the community and, of course, the beach,” Presley-McLeod said. “USF -- both the Sarasota-Manatee campus and the greater OneUSF community -- has been such a great match. I’ve lived in three different countries and in several states, but I’ve really found my home here.”