American University Leadership

Matthew D. Bennett, SPA/BA ’00 and SPA/MA ’01, is American University’s vice president and chief communications officer. Before joining AU, Matt was executive vice president, global communications at the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). He served on the senior leadership team and led MPAA’s worldwide communications enterprise, providing strategic counsel and support to the organization’s policy, legal, and content protection operations. He managed the announcement of the MPAA's new chairman and chief executive officer and the addition of MPAA's first new member in decades, oversaw the 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic MPAA movie ratings, and transformed the organization's digital operation.

Prior to joining MPAA in 2016, Matt was senior vice president and managing director of the District of Columbia office for Racepoint Global, an international public relations firm. He previously served as senior vice president of communications and public affairs for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), where he led all internal and external communications and conducted a comprehensive rebranding effort for the association. Matt also held senior positions at GolinHarris (now Golin), leading major client relationships including Kaiser Permanente and Olympus for the global PR agency.

With 20 years of experience in strategic communications, issues management, and brand development, Bennett has designed and implemented comprehensive campaigns focused on advancing business and policy priorities, developing thought leadership platforms, and building trusted connections with influencers and key audiences.

Bennett received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from American University. He lives in Virginia with his wife and daughter.

News Centre is an Adjunct Professor Debra Thoms, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, NSW Ministry of Health at American University.

Steve Munson is American University’s Vice President and Chief Information Officer. Steve has worked across a diverse range of technologies, industries, and organizations as both a consultant and as a technology executive in higher education.

Prior to joining American University, Steve was the Chief Information Officer at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia for seven years. While at Marymount, Steve led several major technology initiatives including launch of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and a new Learning Management System, as well as overseeing significant upgrades to the university network and telecommunications infrastructure.

Steve previously worked in the American University Office of Information Technology (OIT) as the Director of Integrated Technology Solutions from 2010-2013. Steve started his career as a consultant with Accenture and The North Highland Company, and in addition to helping clients in higher education, he has worked in the telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and health care services industries. Steve earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University and lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and two children.

Darby Jones is a Chief of Staff at American University.

David 'Dave' Swartz works at American University/The and a VP/CIO at American University/The and Retired VP & CIO at American University and is based in Washington, D.C.. He has worked as Vice President & CIO at GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY. David attended University of Maryland between 1976 and 1979, University of Maryland between 1985 and 1990, and University of Maryland between 1971 and 1975.