Institute Partnerships, Federal Relations realigned with Government Relations office

Lawrence Day of Home Depot, Andrea Ashmore, director of Institute Partnerships, Centennial Place Elementary Principal Alison Shelton and Moses Shears of Home Depot display their “A+ Awards.” The awards program is sponsored by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce to recognize Atlanta Public Schools and the business partners who help them achieve their goals.

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In an effort to better extend the Institute’s community outreach across various levels, President Bud Peterson has merged the Office of Institute Partnerships and the Federal Relations Office with the Office of Government Relations, effective Aug. 1.

With the move, outreach with the local community, as well as with state and national government, will be streamlined into one office.

	Dene Sheheane

Government Relations Director Dene Sheheane will head up the new group, assuming the title of executive director of Government and Community Relations. He will continue his efforts in building Institute relationships with local, state and federal government officials, as well as with the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. Andrea Ashmore remains as director of Institute Partnerships, and Robert Knotts continues in his role as director of Federal Relations.

“Our office has enjoyed a good working relationship with Federal Relations and Institute Partnerships for a long time,” Sheheane said. “I truly welcome the opportunity to formalize the relationship and strengthen our overall government and community relations efforts.” Sheheane primarily has been responsible for raising the Institute’s profile among the Board of Regents and the Georgia General Assembly.

Institute Partnerships has worked with local officials, neighborhoods surrounding Georgia Tech and area schools. Its K-12 Outreach partners with six primary and secondary schools, working to enhance the curriculum, provide mentors and tutors from student organizations and assist with technology enhancement. The office also partners with neighborhood organizations in areas around the Institute, helping to improve and empower communities with job fairs, technology assistance and entrepreneurial counseling.

Federal Relations, headquartered in Washington, D.C., promotes the Institute’s research and educational strategic vision, goals and interests to the federal government’s representatives. The office works to increase Tech’s visibility, influence and support among federal decision-makers and the higher education community at-large.

“We have had a strong history of very positive relationships with our community and legislative partners,” Peterson said. “The restructuring of these three groups will not only serve to strengthen their effectiveness, but will also allow them to work more collaboratively and efficiently, while at the same time increasing the visibility of Georgia Tech at the local, state and national levels.”

For more information

gtalumni.org/pages/legislativenetwork

www.copp.gatech.edu