Public U Leaders Spotlight: Lauren Brookmeyer

Your Name: Lauren Brookmeyer
Your Title: Associate Vice President for Federal Relations and Head of DC Office (and Chair of the APLU Council on Governmental Relations).
Your Institution: Stony Brook University
Year You Started Your Current Role: 2020 (I’ve worked at Stony Brook in the Government Relations Office since 2014)

What’s the most exciting work your APLU Council or Commission is currently undertaking?
Playing an essential role in advocating for robust federal funding for higher education programs, student financial aid, and science research to ensure America remains a global leader in innovation, education, and economic growth.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing individuals in your role on campus?
Challenge: Advocating for increased funding for higher education priorities can be difficult when lawmakers are prioritizing reducing deficits and controlling spending. However, the CGA looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Congress, the Administration, and federal agency leadership to maintain America’s leadership position on the global stage, recognizing that both higher education and scientific research are key pillars in driving U.S. innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness.

Opportunity: The current moment in history presents a unique opportunity for APLU universities to highlight our leadership in defense research, ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of global innovation and security. By leveraging academic expertise, fostering public-private partnerships, and advancing breakthrough technologies, public universities play a pivotal role in strengthening national defense and securing America’s global leadership. As American adversaries invest heavily in research and technological advancements, now is the time for CGA members to highlight their institution’s defense research capabilities to Congress and the Administration in key areas including Quantum, AI, and cybersecurity, demonstrating their essential role in maintaining national and global security.

What are the most important and valuable partnerships on campus for individuals in your role? I do not believe there’s a “one size” fits all for this question. It’s important for the federal relations team to have strong relationships with all university stakeholders. However, in the Office of Federal Relations at Stony Brook University, our effective collaborations with the President’s Office, Office of the Vice President for Research, the Provost and our Deans are essential to the daily success of our operation in Washington, DC.

Describe your university in three words. Innovative, Transformative, and Welcoming

What makes your university great? What makes Stony Brook University great is our vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff who are united by a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Our innovative approach to education, research, and collaboration empowers individuals to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Here, we foster an environment where creativity thrives, and people are inspired to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact.

What experience best prepared your current role? My experience as the Director of Communications for former New York State Senate Health Committee Chairman Kemp Hannon was pivotal in preparing me for my current role. Working directly with an elected official provided me with a deep understanding of what legislators and their staff prioritize. That insight has been invaluable as a lobbyist. Understanding the inner workings of a legislator’s office—how they make decisions, what factors influence their priorities, and how they communicate with their constituents—has given me a distinct advantage in advocating for my organization’s priorities.

If you could go back and give yourself advice on the first day of your job, what would you say? I would remind myself to listen deeply and build as many relationships as possible early on. Understanding the unique needs and priorities of both the university and federal stakeholders takes time, so investing in those connections from day one is helpful to establish a foundation of trust and collaboration.

What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Going on outdoor adventures with my family.

What is the best book you’ve read recently? The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

What is the last concert you attended? REO Speedwagon