December 22, 2008

Purdue names new associate VP for government relations

Timothy Sanders
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Timothy J. Sanders, a 1977 Purdue graduate who has led the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority since its launch in 2006, will serve as Purdue's chief liaison between the university and state officials. He also will have oversight of Purdue's interaction with federal officials.

Sanders will assume the post, effective Jan. 5, and report to the Office of the President. Victor L. Lechtenberg, Purdue's vice provost for engagement, has served as interim vice president for governmental relations for the past six months.

"Purdue is working at the state level to grow Indiana's economy and on the national level to advance America's educational excellence," Córdova said. "Tim's leadership at the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and his many years with Senator Lugar's office will serve him and Purdue well in this new position."

As associate vice president, Sanders will coordinate relationships and communication with the Indiana congressional delegation, federal agencies, and the legislative and executive branches of Indiana state government.

"This position represents the voice of Purdue and higher education before the Indiana General Assembly and our congressional leaders in Washington, D.C.," Sanders said. "My role is to ensure that the communication between our elected officials and university representatives is strong and productive."

Since becoming the first director of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, Sanders has worked with Lake and Porter county business leaders and state and federal agencies to foster public-private partnerships, grow industry and create jobs.

During his 20-year tenure with Lugar's staff, Sanders coordinated communication between the business community and various government branches. He also implemented public relations initiatives to raise awareness on key issues facing Northwest Indiana. He served as a liaison between the region's business community and the various branches of the federal government.

After leaving Lugar's office, Sanders was the northwest Indiana coordinator for the Indiana Economic Development Corp.

Sanders received a bachelor's degree in marketing management from Purdue. He was the student representative to Purdue's board of trustees in 1975-76.

Currently a resident of Porter, Ind., Sanders is past president of the Tradewinds Rehabilitation Center in Gary and board vice president of the Lake Area United Way.

Writer: Phillip Fiorini, (765) 496-3133, pfiorini@purdue.edu

Sources: France A. Córdova, (765) 494-2084

Timothy Sanders, (219) 644-3500, tsanders@rda.IN.gov

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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