Head of federal relations promoted
Vanderbilt University's chief federal lobbyist has been named assistant vice chancellor for Federal Relations.
Christina West, formerly director of Federal Relations, will continue to run Vanderbilt's Washington office and be the University's primary contact with Congress on higher education issues.
Christina West
“I'm pleased to continue my work on behalf of Vanderbilt and higher education,” West said. “I look forward to working with colleagues on campus and in Washington to advance the federal priorities of our country's research universities.”
West, a graduate of University School of Nashville and Haverford College, interned for U.S. Rep. Bob Clement, D-Tenn., eventually rising to be his senior legislative assistant. She works closely with campus leaders and Washington policymakers on issues including federal student aid, funding levels for federal research programs, tax issues, tech transfer, international student and scholar policies and campus safety.
“Christina West has proven herself as an effective proponent for higher education in the midst of a challenging climate in Washington,” said Beth Fortune, vice chancellor for Public Affairs. “Her expertise is crucial to Vanderbilt's continuing success.”
West is an active member of Women in Government Relations, and co-chaired their Congressional Relations task force for two years. She will chair the Association of American Universities' Council of Federal Relations in 2010.