Craig S. Keys

Associate Senior Vice President, Civic Engagement

Craig S. Keys joined USC as associate senior vice president for civic engagement in January 2012. Reporting to the senior vice president for university relations, Keys is responsible for working in partnership with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and USC faculty, staff and students in support of the university’s engagement priorities. He also plays a key role in building and maintaining strong relationships between USC’s research and outreach programs, in facilitating and implementing President Nikias’ community initiatives, and in documenting and evaluating community involvement at USC.

Previously, Keys was principal consultant for Keys Consulting Group, a government affairs and public policy firm, where he developed and implemented government and community outreach programs and was responsible for external relations and project consensus building on the federal, state and municipal levels.

Keys currently serves on the board of Praxis Project Inc., which promotes cultural arts and entertainment projects. He is also the managing board member and legal affairs director for NextAid Inc., a nonprofit organization that finances sustainable development projects, constructs housing, and provides educational, cultural and economic resources for children in Africa who are affected by AIDS.

Keys holds a bachelor’s degree in social theory and mass communications from UC Berkeley, a master’s degree in sociology and law from Columbia University, a J.D. from the University of California Hastings College of the Law, and a certificate in real estate finance from the USC Marshall School of Business’ Ross Minority Program in Real Estate.

Last updated: 02/02/12