Spanier Announces Reorganization Of The Office Governmental Affairs

4-5-96
President Spanier has announced a reorganization of the Office of Governmental Affairs, effective July 1, 1996. This reorganization will result in the elimination of one administrative position at the University. On July 1, Richard DiEugenio, Director of Governmental Relations, will move into the position of Special Assistant to the President for Governmental Affairs where he will report directly to the President and will be responsible for coordinating and administering the local, state, and federal relations of the newly organized Office of Governmental Affairs.

"I am delighted that Dr. DiEugenio is willing to accept this responsibility for the University," Dr. Spanier said. "I am confident that Rich, as a ten-year veteran in Penn State's Office of Governmental Affairs, will be able to carry on the tradition of the highest quality professional representation for us established by his predecessors." He currently represents Penn State in Harrisburg, and formerly worked with federal legislators as Penn State's representative in Washington, D.C.

Helen Caffrey, Director of Commonwealth Relations for the Commonwealth Educational System, will move to the Office of Governmental Affairs and will serve in a senior role directing the University's statewide representation outside of Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.

Robin Jones, Director of Legislative Affairs, will assume an expanded role. Ms. Jones will oversee all non-defense federal government relations including civilian science research policy and funding. Dr. DiEugenio will oversee federal defense-related research issues.

Because of his extensive prior experience in the State government, Anthony Wagner, Director of Legislative Affairs, who is currently based in Washington, D.C., will be reassigned to state-related governmental affairs and will have his primary focus in Harrisburg. Mr. Wagner will continue to follow agricultural issues at both the state and federal levels.

Mark Reisinger will continue his duties at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center with responsibilities for state-related health affairs and issues affecting the College of Medicine.

Before joining Penn State in 1986, Dr. DiEugenio served as senior legislative associate for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor. He also served as the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Washington representative under the former State Secretary of Education, John Pittinger.

A native of Downingtown, he received a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Ursinus College, a master's degree in education from Temple University and a doctorate with honors in political science from Georgetown University. He has completed additional graduate work at the University of Michigan, Rhode Island College and the University of Iowa.

His University assignments include membership on the University Faculty Senate's Subcommittee on External Relations. He served as an elected member of the State College Area Board of School Directors from 1989-1993.

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Contacts:
Alan Janesch
(814) 865-7517 (office)
(814) 867-3621 (home)
axj12@psu.edu

Christy Rambeau
(814) 865-7517 (office)
(814) 237-9046 (home)
cmr7@psu.edu