UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Malcolm Warbrick has joined Penn State’s Office of Government and Community Relations as director of federal relations, effective July 25. Warbrick will be based in Washington, D.C.
“I am excited to welcome Malcolm to Penn State and our office,” said Zack Moore, Penn State vice president for Government and Community Relations. “His knowledge, experience and professional background are a tremendous match for our team. I am confident that Malcolm will enhance our federal advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., and be a tremendous asset to Penn State.”
As director of federal relations, Warbrick will aid Penn State’s advocacy efforts in Washington to increase federal funding for student financial aid and scientific research. He also will engage with the federal government, primarily Congress and the 20 members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, to advance federal policies that benefit Penn State’s students, faculty and staff.
“Growing up in Pennsylvania, I saw Penn State’s impact on local communities across the commonwealth firsthand,” said Warbrick. "My passion for Penn State and the opportunity to work with a great team makes this an exciting next chapter for me and my family.”
Warbrick’s experience includes various fellowships and more than two decades in the U.S. Army and National Guard, including roles in government affairs. He comes to Penn State after most recently participating in the 2021-22 Asia-Pacific Military Fellowship Program at the University of Washington where he engaged with students and faculty on foreign policy. Additionally, he was an adjunct professor at Austin Community College in Austin, Texas, where he taught courses on the United States and Texas state government.
“I am delighted to welcome Malcolm to Penn State,” said Amanda Wintersteen, assistant vice president for federal relations. “His congressional experience and relationships on Capitol Hill are a terrific fit for representing and advancing the University’s operational and financial priorities in Washington, D.C. Having worked in Congress and higher education, Malcolm is a great addition to the Government and Community Relations team.”
Malcolm’s 25-year career in the Army and Texas National Guard, where he holds the rank of lieutenant colonel, included deployments to Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. He held multiple leadership roles, including command of a rocket artillery battalion, leading more than 600 soldiers through a Middle East deployment in 2020.
He served as a military intelligence officer and was director of the government affairs office for the Texas National Guard, where he was responsible for the strategy, engagement and policy with the Texas gubernatorial, federal and state delegations.
Warbrick brings with him federal government experience, having served as a liaison officer on behalf of the secretary of the Army in the U.S. House of Representatives and an Army Congressional Fellow in the U.S. Senate.
Having entered the military following high school, he maximized his education benefits by earning a master’s degree in legislative studies from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in education and language (Persian-Farsi) from the University of Central Florida.
Having grown up in southeastern Pennsylvania, Warbrick is a lifelong Penn State fan who looks forward to visiting regularly. He and his wife will reside in Washington, D.C., following a move from Austin. Warbrick has four adult sons.