APLU’s Vice President for Congressional & Governmental Affairs to Lead Government & Community Relations at UCLA

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Peter McPherson today released the following statement about Jennifer Poulakidas, APLU’s Vice President for Congressional and Governmental Affairs.

“It is with very mixed emotions that I announce Jennifer Poulakidas, Vice President for Congressional and Governmental Affairs, will be leaving APLU in the next few months and moving back to Los Angeles where she will serve as Associate Vice Chancellor of Government & Community Relations at UCLA, her alma mater. We are very excited for this next chapter in Jennifer’s life and career, though we will greatly miss her presence in the office and the enormous contributions she has made to the association over the past 13 years.

“Simply put, Jennifer transformed APLU’s Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs, building it into a powerhouse operation that effectively advocates for key policy issues facing public research universities. The work she conducts and oversees within her department is made exponentially more effective by an active and engaged Council on Governmental Affairs that she and her great team cultivated over the many years. The CGA comprises wonderfully dedicated and talented government relations professionals who work individually for their own institutions and together for the public research university community.

“On research issues, Jennifer ensures that APLU not only has a seat at the table, but that our views, ideas, and perspectives are heard, respected, and ultimately included in the federal policymaking process. While she is leaving our office, there is no question that her impact and contributions to the overall community will continue from her new position at UCLA and we look forward to her continuing national leadership from her new campus base.

“As someone who recognizes the uniquely strong pull of one’s alma mater, I realize this is a special opportunity for Jennifer to return to UCLA to lead the campus’ Los Angeles, state, and federal advocacy and to promote civic engagement and active university-community partnerships. That she will be arriving just as UCLA begins its yearlong Centennial celebration only magnifies the rewards of her return.

“While Jennifer will be leaving big shoes to fill, we are committed to ensuring that APLU’s Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs continues to operate at a very high level. In the coming weeks, we’ll be considering the best way to achieve that goal.”