Former University of Maine System spokesman and state legislator John Diamond has landed a job at the University of Wisconsin System.
Diamond has been appointed interim associate vice president for external relations and strategic communications for the University of Wisconsin System, the university announced Friday.
Diamond, who was fired last fall by the University of Arkansas, will supervise a team broadly responsible for external and internal communications, according to James Villa, vice president for university relations. Diamond will manage communications personnel and assist in coordinating strategic communications.
“John’s background and drive make him a great addition to our new university relations team,” President Ray Cross said in the university’s announcement. “His interim hire will allow us to immediately develop and begin implementing a communications plan while we consider our long-term options.”
Diamond has “a proven track record of managing strategic communications and stakeholder engagement,” said Villa.
Villa and Diamond were rivals for the position now held by Villa, and Diamond will report directly to him.
The university announced in March that both men were among five candidates who were finalists for the position of vice president for university relations, and Villa — formerly president and CEO of the Commercial Association of Realtors in Milwaukee — was named to the post April 2.
The University of Arkansas appointed Diamond as associate vice chancellor for university relations in September 2010. However, he was fired in August 2013, his termination effective at the end of the following month.
Diamond had accused a University of Arkansas official of interfering with the release of public information to the news media, making inappropriate remarks about religion and race, and creating a hostile and threatening work environment. His accusations touched off a war of words with university officials, who held a news conference to respond and released a letter critical of Diamond.
Before his appointment by the University of Arkansas, Diamond had a 21-year career as an administrator at UMaine, most recently as executive director of external affairs for the University of Maine System.
Diamond served four terms as a Democrat in the Maine House of Representatives during the 1980s, including two terms as House majority leader.
While in Maine he was active in many community groups, including serving as chairman of the board of directors for the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce.