posted on August 7: New director of public relations appointed

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/AndreaFarquhar.jpg”]McMaster has a new director of public and government relations. Andrea
Farquhar was appointed to the position effective July 16.

Farquhar, who has been associate director of public relations, succeeds former director of public relations Gillian Howard. Howard left the University in April for a position at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto.

“Following a national search, we are pleased to announce Andrea's
appointment to the position, which has been expanded to include the
government relations portfolio,” says Roger Trull, vice-president,
University Advancement. “Andrea's experience at McMaster and in her previous career has prepared her well to lead this important function at McMaster. She has the respect of the McMaster community as well as the local and national media and I know she will do an excellent job building on the success we have had in this area.”

Farquhar joined McMaster in 1996 as a co-ordinator of external media
relations. She was assistant director of media and community relations
for two years before being named associate director in the fall of 1999. Prior to joining McMaster, Farquhar was a news anchor at CFRB Mix 99.9 in Toronto and a reporter and assignment editor at CHML/Y95 in Hamilton.

“One of the best parts of my time at McMaster has been getting to know
the people and areas that comprise the University. I'm looking forward
to building on those relationships and to working with the public
relations team to promote McMaster and to successfully serve the
University's communication needs,” says Farquhar.

Born in Burlington, Farquhar is a graduate of the University of Toronto in English and history. Her father, Ben Firth, is a McMaster alumnus. She and her husband, Craig, a high school teacher, reside in Hamilton with their son, Cavan, who is almost two.