Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity (AEPi), the world’s leading Jewish college fraternity, has appointed seasoned communications professional and longtime AEPi leader Jonathan Pierce, APR, as its Chief Communications Officer. In this newly created position, Pierce will oversee internal and external communications strategies while managing the fraternity’s communications department.
Pierce, a Vanderbilt University graduate, brings decades of experience in public relations, having led Pierce Communications—one of Upstate New York’s top PR firms—for over 20 years. His firm specialized in developing communications strategies for a wide range of clients, causes, and political candidates.
His connection to AEPi, however, runs much deeper. After earning his degree in 1986, Pierce worked as a chapter consultant for the fraternity, traveling across the U.S. to support and expand its chapters. He later pursued a master’s in business administration at The Ohio State University before launching his career in PR.
A lifelong AEPi volunteer, Pierce served as the fraternity’s Supreme Master (International President) from 2001-2003 and has remained actively involved on various boards and committees. He chaired AEPi’s centennial convention in New York City in 2013 and was honored with the fraternity’s highest award, the Order of the Lion, in 2017 for his years of dedicated service.
“I am excited to have Jon join – or actually rejoin – the AEPi professional team,” said AEPi CEO Rob Derdiger. “Our undergraduates and alumni are doing amazing things in leading their Jewish communities on their campuses and in their neighborhoods. I know that Jon will help us better tell those stories to broader Jewish and academic audiences.”
For Pierce, the new role is a homecoming. “Returning to work full-time at AEPi is a dream come true for me,” he said. “Outside of my family, the thing I am most passionate about in my life is AEPi. Developing the future leaders of the Jewish community has never been more important than it is today, and I’m excited to play a role in helping AEPi continue to accomplish that mission.”
As AEPi continues to expand its impact on campuses and within the Jewish community, Pierce’s leadership is expected to enhance the fraternity’s communications reach and storytelling, ensuring that AEPi remains a strong voice for Jewish student leadership worldwide.