
The Federal Government Relations program began in April 1999 with the opening of the Washington, D.C. office. The primary goals of the federal relations efforts are to:
The Federal Relations staff is comprised of Kimrey Rhinehardt, Vice President for Federal Government Relations, and Miles Lackey, Director of Federal Relations.
The Federal Relations staff works directly with the Chancellors and campus administration through the 16-member, Chancellor appointed Federal Relations Council (FRC). Through e-mails, telephone conversations, periodic conference calls, on-campus visits and meetings in Washington, the Federal Relations Council is involved in and informed of developments at the federal level. In making the university’s case in Washington, the Federal Relations staff draws on all of the divisions within General Administration, as well as drawing on the expertise resident on the constituent campuses and within the affiliate organizations.
The Federal Relations staff oversees the development of the annual Board of Governors Federal Agenda and Federal Priorities through a process that places a high premium on input from the campuses and affiliates and close consultation within General Administration. This process results in a set of recommendations submitted by General Administration for review and approval by the Public Affairs Committee and the full Board.
The Federal Relations staff arranges an annual trip to Washington for the Public Affairs Committee and other members of the Board of Governors. The trip occurs between mid-February and early March. During this time, the Board meets with the North Carolina Congressional delegation and staff, as well as senior administration officials to discuss the university’s priorities for the budget cycle.