John Longbrake will become VP-communications at the University of Chicago on Aug. 24, replacing Julie Peterson, who did an eight-year stint there.

He joins from the associate vice chancellor for PA & communications post at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Robert Zimmer, president of the UC, said Longbrake has "broad leadership experience in higher education, governmental affairs and public policy.”

Prior to UC/Santa Barbara, Longbrake worked in communications for Harvard, Yale and the US Treasury.