CNM Selects New Chief Marketing Officer

After an extensive national search process, CNM is pleased to announce the selection of Chris Pendleton as our inaugural Chief Marketing Officer. Pendleton is currently the Vice President of Marketing & Strategy at Southern Virginia University (SVU) and will officially begin his leadership role at CNM on July 1.

Chris was director of Marketing & Communications at SVU for nine years before becoming the Vice President of Marketing & Strategy in 2022. During his leadership, the liberal arts college experienced unprecedented growth in enrollment and national brand recognition. He also recently led the development of the university’s new 10-year strategic plan, currently pending final approval.

“I’m thrilled to have Chris joining our CNM leadership team,” said President Tracy Hartzler. “He has proven experience at leveraging modern marketing strategies to significantly advance institutional goals, and he’s bringing a bold vision for elevating CNM’s brand to help us achieve our Strategic Plan goals. As a community college graduate, he has deep appreciation for the mission of community colleges and their increasing importance in today’s world. I also appreciate that his values strongly align with those of CNM, so I’m very encouraged about his ability to be an outstanding leader here and to help us expand our reach locally, regionally, and nationally.”

Pendleton will serve on CNM’s Strategic Executive Team and lead the Marketing & Communications Office.

“From my perspective, CNM represents the future of higher education – accessible, affordable, and accelerated,” Pendleton said. “As someone whose life was transformed by a two-year college, I resonate deeply with CNM’s mission, vision, and values. I’m honored to join the CNM community and excited to help share its powerful story with the world.”

Pendleton earned his Associate of Arts from Big Bend Community College in Washington, where he also played on the men’s basketball team and earned the Northwest Athletic Conference’s student-athlete award for highest GPA. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Southern Virginia University, where he graduated as valedictorian and the school’s first ESPN Academic All-American. Pendleton earned his master’s degree in Communication from Johns Hopkins University.

While his official start date is July 1, Pendleton will attend some select CNM meetings in the coming months. When you meet him, please join us in welcoming him to the CNM community!