Indianapolis executive named vice president for public affairs
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Julie K. Griffith, an executive with Duke Energy in Indianapolis, will become Purdue University's vice president for public affairs as part of a reorganization that brings government and community relations and economic development efforts under one office.
Griffith, currently Duke Energy vice president for government affairs and foundation relations, will begin at Purdue on June 20. She will report to President France A. Córdova. The appointment is subject to Board of Trustees' approval.
"Julie has the experience, knowledge and vision necessary to grow our engagement efforts in Indiana and beyond," Córdova said. "I look forward to working with her as we develop a strategic vision to move Purdue forward in its outreach to citizens near and far."
Griffith will be responsible for creating and fostering critical partnerships with local, state and federal governments; businesses and nonprofit organizations that work to advance the economic, social and cultural development of Indiana, the nation and the world; and other universities.
"Purdue University is a world-class institution with a world-class reputation," Griffith said. "I am honored to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Córdova and the Purdue team to advance the university's mission and goals."
The position was formerly vice president for government relations, a job which has been vacant since 2008. As part of the reorganization, the office also will assume engagement activities.
Through the Office of Engagement, which has been led by Victor Lechtenberg since 2004, the university uses its resources to address issues affecting the state's prosperity and quality of life. Areas of focus include economic development, P-12 education, community service and lifelong learning.
A key Purdue engagement agency is the Technical Assistance Program. Since its inception in 1986, TAP has had $750 million in economic impact in Indiana. It has assisted more than 8,900 organizations, trained more than 9,400 employees, and saved or added more than 5,500 jobs in the state.
"Bringing together the teams that work with state government and state businesses will greatly enhance Purdue's ability to help Indiana move forward in every way," said Keith Krach, chairman of the university's Board of Trustees. "Along with educating the state's young people, a primary goal of Purdue is to spur economic development and raise the quality of life in Indiana. This move will allow the university to not just meet that goal but raise the level of accomplishment."
Lechtenberg, currently vice provost for engagement, will become interim associate vice president for engagement, serving until a permanent associate vice president for engagement is named. He then will be an adviser to the office of the vice president for public affairs and a special assistant to the president until his previously announced retirement in June 2012.
"Through these changes, Purdue strengthens its commitment to help Indiana grow its economy and to enhance the quality of education the university offers Indiana residents and students from around the world," Lechtenberg said.
Griffith has been with Duke Energy in Indianapolis since 1997 and in her present job since 2000. She was general manager of Indiana government affairs and community and economic development before taking her current position.
She has extensive experience in regulatory affairs and served as a program manager with the Indiana Department of Commerce.
She serves on the boards of several state and local organizations, including the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series, the International Center of Indianapolis and the Indiana Society of Washington, D.C.
Griffith has a bachelor's degree in political science from Ball State University.
Writer: Judith Barra Austin, 765-494-2432, jbaustin@purdue.edu
Sources: France A. Córdova, president@purdue.edu
Victor Lechtenberg, vll@purdue.edu
Julie Griffith, jgriffith3@indy.rr.com
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