Indianapolis, March 11, 2019—Today, Andrea (Smithson) Benek joins the North American Interfraternity Conference team as Senior Director of Communication. In this role, Benek will lead communication strategy for the NIC’s grassroots advocacy and government relations efforts to engage fraternity members around key legislative priorities. She will collaborate with the team to proactively tell the story of the fraternity experience and will lead communication around the NIC’s Health & Safety Initiative.
Benek comes to the NIC from the Indiana Apartment Association where she served as Director of Communications since January 2018. She served as the editor and creative director for the trade association that represents 235,000 apartment units and 15,000 industry professionals across Indiana. Previously, Benek served five years as Director of Communications for the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity International Headquarters. She was responsible for communication strategy and creation for advocacy efforts and general growth-driven marketing.
“I am thrilled to see Andrea return to the industry as part of the NIC team,” said Libby Anderson, Interim CEO of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. “During her time at Zeta Beta Tau she improved our visual footprint and increased the impact of our communications. Andrea is a go-getter and one of the hardest working people I know. All of our organizations will benefit from her talent.”
Benek’s communication background also includes the roles of Editor at The Shelbyville News in Shelbyville, Ind., and Presentation Editor at the Chronicle-Tribune in Marion, Ind. Her volunteer experience includes Midyear Conference Event Chair and Programming Chair for the Fraternity Communications Association.
“Andrea’s ability to craft messaging will help move us forward as we advocate on behalf of our member organizations, fraternity men and the experience,” said NIC President & CEO Judson Horras.
“The NIC is an organization that’s effecting change, and I want to be a part of the movement,” said Benek. “I look forward to helping communicate the voice of the millions of fraternity men worldwide.”
Benek was initiated into Zeta Tau Alpha women’s fraternity at Franklin College.
