Alan D. Bennett

every story comes to an and.

Truly good stories outlast any campaign. As a seasoned writer, journalist, and strategic communications leader, I aim to tell complete stories with everlasting impact. Follow-ups pieces, pitches, and new angles are key to success.

• Leading with clarity and transparency

• Grounding stories in fact while approaching them with a creative perspective

• Markers of distinction make all the difference

• Meeting audiences where they’re at

• Embracing emerging technology trends and tools

• Keeping current with local, global, and online affairs

• Finding passion in the work

• Learning every day

Born in Portland and raised in Gray, Maine, Alan Bennett is passionate about his home state, its people, and its natural environment.

Alan graduated of Gray-New Gloucester High School (2012) and attended the University of Maine, graduating summa cum laude with a B.A. in Journalism and Honors in 2016.

Immediately following graduation, Alan covered daily news in coastal York County, Maine, for The Journal Tribune, breaking several regional and national stories in his tenure.

Currently acting as Assistant Director of Communications at the University of New England, Alan serves as the university’s chief public relations strategist, leading news operations and development of editorial content for the UNE News website in close collaboration with leadership and public relations staff.

Since joining UNE in 2019, Alan has played a key role in shaping the university’s public voice, crafting both long-term communications campaigns and daily news content to elevate institutional priorities, enhance UNE’s global reputation, and highlight the achievements of students, faculty, and professional staff.

Alan brings to UNE a solid foundation in developing content across platforms, including print, web, and digital media. His core responsibilities include preparing press releases, media pitches, and executive communications in support of UNE’s mission while providing strategic guidance to university stakeholders, curating a faculty experts list for media, and drafting internal communications to the campus community.

Prior to joining UNE, Alan led social media strategy and operations for the University of Southern Maine, including production of the university’s monthly television show. In 2018, his development and implementation of a seven-campus, university-system-wide social media strategy supported the successful passage of a critical, $49 million workforce and infrastructure improvement bond for the University of Maine System.

Alan sits on the board of the Maine Public Relations Council (MPRC) and, in 2024, he was named Maine’s Rising Star in the field of public relations. 

Alan currently resides in Portland where he is an avid runner, reader, and home cook.

• Sustainability + Sustainable Development

• Photography

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Social Justice

• LGBTQIA+ Issues

• Environmental Justice

• Science + Health Communications

• Nature, Hiking + The Outdoors

• Public Transportation

• Bookstores + Reading

• Documentary Film

• True Crime 

• Electronic Dance Music

• Lots (and Lots) of Coffee