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Chief Communications Officer Accelerator

Explore Executive Education

📅 Dates: Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24, 2026
⌚ Time: 9 am CT - 4 pm CT each day
📍 Location: Medill Downtown Chicago Campus, 303 East Wacker
💵 Program Cost: $2,300
🎟️ Capacity: This program is limited to 20 participants

Overview

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) role has never been more complex or critical. Today’s CCOs are expected to operate as business strategists, trusted advisors, and stewards of reputation in an environment defined by complexity and constant change.

This intensive program equips senior leaders with the strategic frameworks and executive capabilities needed to meet rising stakeholder expectations, build trust in high-stakes situations, leverage AI strategically, and influence business outcomes.

What You'll Learn

  • Discover what Medill's research reveals about successful CCOs and assess your own readiness using the CCO Competency Model.
  • Build essential executive capabilities, including cross-functional influence, AI fluency, effective C-suite counsel and linking reputation to business outcomes.
  • Explore the latest thinking and frameworks for managing reputation in a world shaped by activism, declining trust, polarization and misinformation.

What You'll Experience

  • Engage with Medill IMC faculty and seasoned communications executives to understand the expanding CCO mandate and build the skills needed for C-suite leadership.
  • Hear candid perspectives and real-world advice from industry experts, including current and former CCOs.
  • Practice high-stakes leadership in a hands-on crisis simulation that includes a “live” TV news interview in our broadcast studio.

What You'll Take With You

  • Practical tools for handling high-pressure moments, integrating AI into your communications strategy and counseling the C-suite with confidence.
  • A personalized CCO Roadmap that clarifies your development priorities and charts your next steps toward communications leadership.
  • A peer network of senior communications leaders navigating similar challenges.

Is This Program Right for You?

This program is designed for senior communication professionals, rising CCOs, and executives who shape corporate narrative and reputation.

Cohort Size and Experience

The Cohort is Limited to 20 Participants. With this intimate cohort size, you'll build lasting relationships with your peers while receiving personalized attention and hands-on experience that drive real transformation.

The Team Advantage

Organizations can send 2-3 leaders to build shared capabilities and alignment. Teams leave with a common language and frameworks they can immediately apply across their communications function.

Participant Recognition

Participants who complete both days will receive a Medill Executive Education credential.

Program Innstructors:

Debra Ceffalio

Adjunct Faculty, Medill and Founder and Principal at Wildwood Communications

Bradley Akubuiro

Adjunct Professor, Medill, Partner at Bully Pulpit International, Columnist at Inc. Magazine

Apply for Consideration

Accepted applicants will receive an invitation to register.