Bio

Marisa S. Benincasa is Director of Communications and Marketing for the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. In this role, she oversees a team of writers, designers and web developers producing the communications and marketing for the Dean’s office, five schools (Schools of Art; Arts, Media and Engineering; Film, Dance and Theatre; Music; The Design School) as well as the ASU Art Museum. Marisa serves on the Dean’s leadership team and helps lead crisis communications and strategy.

Marisa has served as principal of MSB Communications, consulting on marketing strategy, customer loyalty, creative and brand development, community relations, business development, fundraising, special events, and complex projects. Working in Arizona for over 25 years, Marisa has built a strong network of contacts within the community, and with business, government, non-profit and media organizations. As Loyalty Manager for Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA®) for over nine years, Marisa served as part of the Phoenix hospital’s leadership team and on the national Loyalty team for CTCA, driving strategy, operational best practices, and managing teams and programs regionally and nationally. She managed partnerships with over 30 community and cancer support organizations throughout Arizona, New Mexico, and California. She led Hispanic market outreach and Mexico market efforts. She believes in and practices servant leadership.

Marisa has served in leadership roles for the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Catholic Community Foundation. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and for the Isaac Education Foundation. Marisa’s past experience includes serving as Executive Director for A Stepping Stone Foundation, a non-profit preschool and family literacy program on the Isaac Preschool campus.

Marisa graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. She earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She lives in Phoenix with her husband of 29 years, Robert Benincasa. They were married at St. Mary’s Basilica in Phoenix. Their daughter Jessica recently graduated Cum Laude from ASU and son Andrew is currently a junior studying at ASU. The family belongs to St. Paul’s Catholic Parish where Bob serves as Chancellor for the Knights of Columbus council. When the family was younger, they belonged to Our Lady of the Valley Parish where Marisa served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Education

  • Graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

  • Earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix