Throughout Joann Young’s career in communications, she had the opportunity to work alongside world-renowned academics, professional athletes, high-profile corporate companies and their C-suite executives, Hollywood A-listers, and local community partners to lead, strategize, and produce creative communications programs in higher education, professional sports, and broadcast. In her current role, Joann oversees the college’s communications, recruitment, and engagement efforts. Prior to UCR, Joann was the Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Claremont McKenna College. During her time in professional sports, Joann managed the communications activities at NASCAR's Auto Club Speedway and the media relations efforts for the Los Angeles Dodgers Radio Network with KABC. Prior to her time in professional sports, Joann was responsible for producing programs at a number of radio broadcast properties including the Disney-owned ABC Radio Networks; Talk Radio 790 KABC; legendary classic rock station 95.5 KLOS; the Gracie Award winning talk radio program Satellite Sisters; and public radio’s The Tavis Smiley Show. The range of Joann’s professional experience illustrates her knowledge and appreciation of the communication skills needed to reach and impact audiences from a wide-range of industries, which allows her to bring a unique perspective that organizations and their audiences have benefitted from. A graduate of the University of Southern California (USC), Joann earned her Master of Communication Management degree from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She also studied at the University of California, Irvine earning a B.A. in Criminology, Law, and Society and a B.A. in Asian American Studies. Joann was also a fellow with the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Email Joann

Kodi Klein is the Events Manager for the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences. Previous to joining the CNAS Communications team in July 2024, Kodi was the Public Events Manager with University Events at UCR. In 2021, Kodi was part of the core team that worked on UC Riverside’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, Living the Promise, which surpassed its $300 million goal that focused on student scholarships, experiential learning, and health and well-being. Kodi was also instrumental in planning the inaugural UCR Honors: A Gala Celebration in 2024 that paid tribute to alumni, philanthropic, and humanitarian leaders. Additionally, Kodi worked alongside the UCR Events team to bring commencement to the Toyota Arena in 2023. Kodi maintains strong roots with the local community having grown up in Riverside and completing her undergraduate and masters degrees at California Baptist University. Kodi spends her free time traveling, reading, playing with her puppy, and volunteering for Voices for Children.

Email Kodi

Tom Windeknecht is the Digital Communications Manager for CNAS. He has been with UCR since 2015 where he has built and managed numerous websites, scheduled digital media, and created and managed multiple social media accounts. Tom currently manages the CNAS website, along with websites under CNAS by assisting site builders, creates the email newsletters, and assists with social media.

Email Tom

Owen (he/him) joined the CNAS team in September 2022 after spending 17 years working in enrollment management at his alma mater, Trinity University, and Caltech, Pitzer College, and The Webb Schools in Claremont, CA. He was responsible for in-house marketing asset design at Webb, and also developed electronic communications and video content as a member of the Pitzer admission team. His professional experience also includes podcasting, print design, event planning, and video editing. In his spare time, Owen enjoys watching documentaries, cheering on the Dodgers and Rams, and spending time with his wife, dog, and cat.

Email Owen