Frank Tramble is a distinguished communications professional with a wealth of experience in strategic executive communications, crisis communications, integrated marketing communications, and brand management. As the Vice President for Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs at Duke University, he assumes a pivotal role as the university’s chief communications and brand strategist. In this capacity, he leads comprehensive communications and marketing programs that drive Duke’s strategic priorities, enhance its reputation, and oversee crisis communications and issues management.
As a trusted strategic adviser and partner to President Vincent Price and other university leaders, Frank Tramble serves on the President’s Cabinet. He provides guidance and direction for the university’s central communications, marketing, media relations, and brand management activities. Additionally, he offers leadership and support to communications professionals across various schools and units within the university, ensuring a cohesive and impactful approach.
Before joining Duke University, Frank Tramble held the position of Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Howard University, where he successfully led integrated marketing and communications activities to elevate the university’s reputation and advance its institutional priorities. Under his visionary leadership, Howard University experienced significant growth in brand recognition, marked by transformative initiatives such as the award-winning redesign of the university’s magazine and the establishment of The Dig, a pioneering daily storytelling hub.
Throughout his career, Frank Tramble has achieved national media coverage for his work, including notable accomplishments such as Howard University’s swim and dive team becoming the first all-Black swim team ever to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. He has collaborated with renowned writers, artists, and photographers, including Pete Souza, further amplifying Howard’s visibility and impact on a global scale. Additionally, Frank Tramble has been instrumental in developing communication strategies for high-profile individuals such as Phylicia Rashad, Nicole Hannah-Jones, and Ta-Nehesi Coates, and has worked closely with the White House on various communication plans.
Beyond his professional roles, Frank Tramble is an esteemed adjunct professor in the integrated marketing communications graduate program at Georgetown University, where he imparts his expertise and teaches students the fundamentals of brand strategy. He has served as a lead judge for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Circle of Excellence Digital Communication Awards, showcasing his industry knowledge and commitment to excellence. As a sought-after speaker, Frank Tramble shares insights on crisis communications, career development, the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in communities, and best practices in branding and marketing. He also serves as a mentor, nurturing the talents of communications students and professionals and guiding them toward success.
Frank Tramble’s leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades throughout his career, including Education Digital Marketing Awards, multiple CASE Awards, Eddie & Ozzie Awards, and a PRSA Bronze Anvil award, highlighting the outstanding achievements of his teams.
Frank Tramble holds a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in advertising management from Michigan State University. With his deep commitment to excellence and passion for compelling storytelling, Frank Tramble continues to make a lasting impact in the communications and marketing field.