ANN ARBOR—Kallie Bila Michels has been appointed associate vice president for communications at the University of Michigan, pending approval by the Board of Regents. Her appointment will be effective Aug. 18.

“Kallie Michels brings a wealth of insight and experience to a critical role at the University,” said David Lampe, vice president for communications. “I look forward to working with her to shape our efforts to reach out to our various audiences across the state and around the world.”

The associate vice president, in a re-structured position, will serve as a key member of the communications leadership team and as second-in-command to the vice president.

Michels will guide the University’s central communications operations, overseeing the News Service, Public Affairs and Media Relations, and Michigan Marketing & Design. Among her key responsibilities will be to coordinate and integrate communications efforts to advance the reputation of the University. She will advise University administrators, faculty and staff on a wide range of higher education issues and the media.

Michels brings 20 years of experience in public relations at the University of Michigan Health System, where she has served as the director of public relations since 2000. In that role, she has led UMHS strategies for media relations, the Web and internal communications.

Michels holds a B.A. in journalism from Central Michigan University and an M.A. in advertising from Michigan State University.