GRDC Member News and Kudos

Kodak Appoints Two to Diversity, Multicultural Posts

Jan. 28 -- Eastman Kodak Company named David Kassnoff as manager of communications and public relations for Kodak's Global Diversity Office, and Aubyn Thomas as multicultural marketing director in the Corporate Marketing Office.

Most recently, Thomas worked as director, Relationship Marketing, Corporate Brand and Market Development in the Corporate Marketing Office. Prior to her role in the CMO, Thomas was regional director and vice president of marketing for Kodak Professional. In this position, she managed all marketing elements and led a team of 28 professionals. She joined Kodak Professional in 2000 as manager of direct marketing.

"Aubyn brings a rich professional background in engineering, sales, marketing, and brand management to Kodak's multicultural marketing initiatives," said Essie Calhoun, director, Multicultural Marketing, Community Relations and Contributions, and a Kodak vice president. "Her insights will help us sharpen our focus on creating a comprehensive approach to reaching new customers with Kodak products, programs and services that meet their needs."

Thomas is currently a member of the Kodak African-American Leadership team, Hillside Work Scholarship Connection program, Vertical Slice Team Member Spelman College, and the National Society of Black MBA Association. Since joining Kodak, she has received several awards including the Everest Award for Marketing Excellence in 2001.

Thomas holds an MBA degree in marketing from Clark-Atlanta University, and degrees in electrical engineering and mathematics from Georgia Institute of Technology and Spelman College. She lives in Rochester.

Kassnoff previously worked as managing editor/public relations for www.kodak.com, the company's award-winning Web site. At kodak.com, Kassnoff led a team that created the online Kodak e-Magazine , which showcased the Chicago Alliance of African-American Photographers, American Cowgirl rodeo riders, and photographers Howard Bingham and Roberta Bondar. Kassnoff previously worked in Employee Communications and Kodak Imaging Services.

His experience also includes management communications, advertising, photojournalism and publications management.

"We are pleased to have a professional with a broad background in online, employee, and business communications join our Global Diversity team," said May E. Snowden, Kodak's chief diversity officer. "David will help us reach out and share our messages of inclusiveness with many constituencies, including the media, employees, shareholders, customers, consumers, retirees and potential employees."

Kassnoff served for three years as communications vice-chairman on the campaign cabinet for the United Way of Greater Rochester, and as a board member with the Webster Theatre Guild. A 1979 graduate of St. Bonaventure University, he and his family live in Webster, NY.