Lisa Romero

Lisa Romero leads and manages strategic marketing communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement efforts on behalf of the university’s research and innovation enterprise. Reporting directly to Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell, Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation, Lisa works broadly within RII and across the entire university to develop and manage an integrated marketing and communications strategy to expand awareness of UArizona’s research impact and thought leadership. She is recognized for her expertise in collaborating across large and diverse enterprises and is highly connected both on campus and among key RII stakeholders. She is a proven brand builder and native Tucsonan, bringing three decades of experience developing and leading teams across academia, scientific, corporate, and non-profit organizations.

Lisa joined UArizona in 2012 at the BIO5 Institute where she built a team focused on advancing brand impact for an interdisciplinary, translational research institute with almost 400 members spanning 75 departments, centers, and institutes across the university. She served as one third of the enterprise wide BIO5 leadership team, and created sustainable, meaningful connections and partnerships across the university, community, and state. 

Prior to BIO5, Lisa led communications, marketing, and strategic outreach at organizations both here in Tucson and in Tempe, AZ, including: the Critical Path Institute; the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; RE/MAX All Executives; Tucson Association of REALTORS; Realty Executives of Tucson; Coldwell Banker Success Realty; and Eagle Management Company. She has also served as a consultant to many other organizations and leaders throughout her career.