CAMP HILL, Pa. — Public relations and communications veteran Susan Henderson has joined Rite Aid Corp. as senior vice president and chief communications officer. She replaces Karen Rugen, who retired last month.

Henderson joins Rite Aid after serving as a consultant for Chicago-based Gagen MacDonald, a strategy execution and em­ployee engagement company.

Prior to that she was vice president of communications for Harley-Davidson Inc. Earlier in her career, Henderson was vice president of corporate communications at Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., vice president of public relations at Kohl’s Department Stores and director of marketing communications for Miller Brewing Co.

At Rite Aid Henderson is responsible for all aspects of corporate communications, including media relations, financial communications, issues management, and associate and supplier communications, as well as the company’s charitable giving initiatives.

“Susan is a seasoned communications and public affairs professional who brings extensive consumer products and retail experience to Rite Aid,” president and chief executive officer John Standley says. “She is a proven leader in her own discipline and will be a valuable asset to us as an integral member of the management team focused on delivering long-term sustainable growth for our company.”