Wes Sumner

Wes Sumner has served as Florida Institute of Technology Vice President for Marketing and Communications since January 2011, previously serving as Associate Vice President for University Relations. In addition to acting as university spokesperson, he oversees the offices for marketing, web services, communications, creative services and WFIT-FM.

Before joining Florida Tech, Sumner was director of district communications and public information for Brevard Public Schools. He managed all primary communications functions, including media relations, crisis communications, the district television station and non-profit foundation. He also acted as district spokesperson.

Prior to his work at Brevard Public Schools, Sumner spent almost a decade working for the University System of Georgia. Most recently, he served at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus for nearly six years rising to director of university relations. While there, he led a variety of communication management efforts that included alumni relations, media relations, crisis communications, marketing and development. His early career included other communications positions in academia at Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University. He also logged TV, radio, newspaper and video production experience, having worked as a print and broadcast journalist.

Sumner earned a bachelor’s degree double majoring in journalism and political science at the University of Central Florida and holds a master of education degree in educational leadership from Valdosta State.

He is the recipient of career honors including: “One of the 20 Most Influential Young Leaders in Sumter County” by the Americus Times-Recorder in 2007; nomination as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s “40 under 40” in 2003; graduate of Leadership Brevard in 2008; and recipient of several Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) awards for excellence in programs, publishing and media relations.

Sumner and his family reside in Titusville where he grew up and was an honor graduate of Astronaut High School. He and his wife, Rachael, have twin children, Sarah Grace and Jonah.