Lisa Romero leads marketing communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement efforts for the University of Arizona’s research and innovation enterprise. She and her team work broadly within RII and across the entire university to develop and execute a collaborative marketing communications and events portfolio designed to expand awareness of university research impact and thought leadership.

Lisa is a passionate and diligent champion for university researchers, innovators, and initiatives, and focuses her efforts around strategically and consistently communicating how their achievements create societal, economic, and workforce advancement.

Prior to joining the research office, Lisa served as the Executive Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Engagement for the BIO5 Institute from 2012 to 2022, successfully advancing brand impact for the bioscience powerhouse and its nearly 400 interdisciplinary, translation-focused faculty members from colleges, schools, and departments across the university.

She is a proven team and brand builder recognized for her expertise in driving success across large and complex enterprises including academic, scientific, corporate, and non-profit organizations. She has held leadership positions in six other high-profile organizations and has served as a consultant/advisor to many other companies and executives throughout her three-decade career.  As a native Tucsonan, Lisa is highly connected on campus and among key community and statewide stakeholders.

Lisa is a 2013/14 University of Arizona Academic Leadership Institute Fellow, 2017 recipient of the University of Arizona Team Award for Excellence, 2023 University of Arizona Woman of Impact, and 2024 recipient of the Public Relations Society of America Southern Arizona Chapter Career Impact Award. She serves as a member of Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee.