After nearly 20 years at Penn State, senior associate athletics director for strategic communications Kris Petersen announced Monday she has stepped down from her role.

“Today is my last day at Penn State,” Petersen wrote on social media. “The words can’t even begin to describe the amazing opportunities my time at Penn State has provided me with over the last almost 20 years.”

End of an era! Thank you @GoPSUsports! Forever pic.twitter.com/S91ubXIdTG

— Kris Petersen (@GoPSUKris) January 5, 2026

Petersen oversaw strategic communications, creative services, creative video, and the GoPSUSports website. She also served as the communications liaison for Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft and the head football coach, and was the sport administrator for softball.

The Rochester, New York, native joined Penn State in 2006, serving nine seasons as the communications director for women’s basketball. She was the head of football communications efforts for five seasons before taking over as the associate athletics director in 2019.

Petersen has left Penn State to become the vice president of communications and content for FC Cincinnati.

“Nearly 20 years at Penn State,” the Penn State football strategic communications account posted on X. “Thank you Kris for your dedication and passion in serving Penn State Athletics and Penn State football! Best of luck in Cincinnati!”