APCO Welcomes Joel Curran as Senior Director Further Strengthening Crisis, Corporate Reputation, Education Expertise

RALEIGH- February 3, 2026: APCO, a global advisory and advocacy firm, today announced that Joel Curran has joined the company as a senior director, bringing decades of experience in higher education, crisis management, and corporate reputation to clients across North America and around the world.

Curran will serve as a key member of APCO's Crisis, Corporate Reputation and Education teams, advising senior leadership at a range of higher education institutions and supporting clients navigating complex challenges in today's dynamic environment.

APCO North America President Kelly Williamson welcomed Curran to the firm, stating: "We are thrilled to welcome Joel to APCO. His deep expertise in higher education, crisis communications, and brand reputation-honed at some of the nation's most prominent universities-will be invaluable to our clients not only in North Carolina, but across the region and throughout our global network. Joel's strategic vision and proven leadership will help our clients build resilience, protect their reputations, and seize new opportunities in an ever-evolving landscape."

Curran joins APCO after serving as chief communications officer at the University of Southern California, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he advised university presidents and chancellors through transformative initiatives and high-profile challenges. His career also includes more than two decades in corporate affairs and reputation, including leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company and recognition as the Chicago PRSA "Public Relations Professional of the Year."

Eliot Hoff, executive director and lead of APCO's Global Crisis practice, added: "Joel's arrival further strengthens APCO's ability to serve as a trusted advisor to leaders facing unprecedented change. His firsthand experience guiding top-tier organizations through both opportunity and adversity makes him a tremendous asset to our clients. I look forward to collaborating with Joel to help our clients navigate the evolving business landscape and achieve their goals."

Curran holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an executive education certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.