Ben Pingel

Background

About Ben Pingel

I’m a strategic planning and communications leader who helps mission-driven organizations turn big ideas into meaningful action. I don’t just communicate- I craft experiences and action. At Washington State University, I’ve spent the past several years helping build a new office from the ground up- I was tasked with system-level communication, strategic plan processes, and implementation and alignment across WSU. From executive leadership retreats to university-wide toolkits, annual reports to mission-focused campaigns, I’ve led planning processes that connect vision to measurable progress. What energizes me is when big-picture thinking meets practical action. I enjoy leading initiatives, building relationships, and crafting the systems and stories that help people align, engage, and move forward. I’m known for being steady under pressure, clear in complexity, and grounded in purpose. Before WSU, I spent over 15 years running a creative agency focused on communication strategy for nonprofits and small businesses, offering services in PR, advertising, graphic and web design, and social media. I also spent nearly a decade teaching university courses in those same areas. I hold a master’s degree in Communication and Leadership and am currently completing a PhD in Communication. I’m always looking for meaningful ways to apply my experience in strategic planning and communication—whether through collaboration, thought leadership, or new opportunities that align with mission-driven work.