The Chief Communications Officer Executive Essentials Program is a multi-part executive education program:

Part 1: The CCO Leadership Accelerator: Pathways to the Communications C-suite - Friday, October 17th (Lead Instructor: Debra Ceffalio)

Part 2: Redefining the Role of the Chief Communications Officer in a High-Stakes World – Saturday, October 18th (Lead Instructor: Bradley Akubuiro)

Today’s Chief Communications Officers do more than manage messages—they build strategies to influence the highest levels of an organization, understand and manage the intersection of reputation and business outcomes, interpret the impacts of societal shifts on company culture, and lead through change. This intensive program prepares senior leaders to meet the rising expectations of stakeholders, build trust across complex environments, and influence decision-making at the highest levels of the organization.

Led by Medill IMC faculty and seasoned industry executives, the program examines the CCO’s expanding role in fostering public trust, shaping internal culture, navigating crises, and stewarding long-term reputation.

Part 1: The CCO Leadership Accelerator: Pathways to the Communications C-suite

This advanced professional development course is designed for experienced communication professionals seeking to further their career trajectory, sharpen their executive leadership skills, build organizational influence skills, and understand the importance of reputation on business outcomes. Participants will learn from Medill's faculty as well as from current and former CCOs about the tools, strategies, and mindset essential to succeed in the C-suite. This course will help strengthen the foundation for participants to earn, secure, and succeed in communications leadership roles. The Medill faculty lead for the program is Debra Ceffalio.

Part 2: Redefining the Role of the Chief Communications Officer in a High-Stakes World

Today’s leaders are navigating a communications landscape unlike anything we’ve seen before, fueled by nonstop controversy, generative AI, and declining trust. This course offers a new framework tailored to the realities of our current moment, where misinformation moves faster than facts, and every decision can become a headline. Participants will leave with practical tools for handling high-pressure moments—how to define the right audience, build credible messages, manage internal and external backlash, link reputation to business outcomes, and show up with confidence when it counts most. The Medill faculty lead for the program is Bradley Akubuiro.

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Participant Profile

Senior communication professionals, rising CCOs, and executives who shape corporate narrative and reputation.

Capacity

25 participants, each day 

Program Cost

$1,395 (Friday OR Saturday) or $2,395 (for BOTH days)

Special rate for IMC Conference participants, alumni, group registrations, and early bird (ends Aug 1st) = $1,995

Participants who complete both parts of the program will receive a Medill Executive Education credential.

Individual participants must first request an invitation.

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For more information about Medill Executive Education, e-mail us at medill-execed@northwestern.edu.