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About Chris Rapozo: Building Trust in Higher Education Marketing
Founder of Education Marketing Leader
A Career Built on Connection and Trust
With over 20 years of experience in service and marketing, I've built my career on a single foundation: helping organizations forge authentic connections with the audiences that matter most.
Currently, I serve as Associate Vice President of Marketing Strategy at Stamats, where I lead high-visibility initiatives for higher education and healthcare institutions nationwide. My role centers on creating trust-based marketing strategies that resonate with discerning academic audiences.
Before joining Stamats, I was a Marketing Leader at Hannon Hill, directing large-scale campaigns, conferences, and content strategies specifically designed for higher education decision-makers.
Building Community Through Trust
Education Marketing Leader Podcast
Hosting over 125 episodes featuring conversations with higher education marketing experts and institutional leaders who are transforming the education landscape.
EML Book Club
A community of 150+ marketing professionals who gather to discuss industry-relevant books, share insights, and develop professional connections in a trust-centered environment.
These platforms have evolved into trusted hubs where marketers, authors, and vendor partners connect authentically, share knowledge, and develop relationships that transcend typical networking opportunities. By creating spaces where genuine value exchange happens, we've built a community where trust comes first.
My Philosophy: Trust as the Foundation
In higher education, everything begins with trust.
Higher education decision-makers are among the most discerning professionals you'll encounter. Cautious with their investments, protective of their institutions, and deeply loyal to relationships that feel authentic and valuable.
Service-First Mindset
My approach is shaped by decades in the service industry, where I learned that genuine relationships begin with putting others' needs first.
Clarity, Consistency, Credibility
Whether moderating a conference, advising on marketing strategy, or producing content, I help vendor partners communicate with precision, maintain reliability, and build genuine authority.
When done well, vendors stop being seen as "just another provider" and start being valued as trusted partners in the educational mission.
Beyond the Professional
When I'm not strategizing campaigns or hosting conversations, I believe in living a well-rounded life that fuels my professional passion.
You'll find me logging miles on local running trails, traveling with my family to new destinations, or leading animated EML book club discussions where marketing theory meets practical application.
These personal pursuits aren't separate from my professional life, they inform it. The discipline of running, the perspective gained through travel, and the insights from our book discussions all contribute to a holistic approach to building trust in marketing.
I believe that authentic professional relationships begin with authentic personal connections.
Ready to Build Trust with your Higher-Ed Clients?
Your Next Steps
Schedule a Consultation
Let's discuss your current challenges and opportunities in connecting with higher education audiences.
Develop a Trust-Based Strategy
Together, we'll create an approach that positions your organization as a valuable, credible partner to educational institutions.
Implement and Measure
Execute with consistency and track how improved trust metrics translate to better business outcomes.
Ready to earn trust, and grow your reach in higher education?