Government Affairs
The Executive Director of the Office of External Relations serves as the University’s primary government relations officer and thereby fosters and stewards relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials and their offices. The Office guides advocacy on behalf of the University’s interests, working with the institution’s administration, faculty, and students to this end. The Office additionally facilitates access to University experts to public officials, such as to provide feedback on legislation and/or expert testimony.
Government Affairs Priorities
- To serve as the primary policy strategist for all levels of government
- To provide public policy guidance to the President and Cabinet toward advancing institutional and divisional goals
- To monitor legislative and executive activity at all levels of government
- To maintain meaningful relationships with elected officials and their staffs
- To serve as the Student Government Association Legislative Affairs Senator Liaison
Federal
The Office of External Relations works with the Office of the President and academic and other administrative leaders to address issues of national import representative of the institution’s mission and strategic plan.
University Main Campus and Philadelphia Campus Federal Elected Officials
- U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, Main Campus
- U.S. Congressman Dwight Evans, Philadelphia Campus
- U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Main and Philadelphia Campuses
- U.S. Senator John Fetterman, Main and Philadelphia Campuses
Find your State and Federal Legislators
State
The Office works with the President’s Office to help ensure strategic and proactive advocacy in support of the institution’s funding, programmatic, and service needs. Advocacy is reflective of the institutional mission and strategic plan and is conducted in coordination with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), of which it is a member.
Office of the Governor
University Main Campus and Philadelphia Campus State Elected Officials
- State Senator Carolyn Comitta, Main Campus
- State Representative Chris Pielli, Main Campus
- State Senator Nikil Saval, Philadelphia Campus
- State Representative Mary Isaacson, Philadelphia Campus
Additional Chester County State Elected Officials
- State Representative Christina Sappey
- State Representative Craig Williams
- State Representative Dan Williams
- State Representative Danielle Friel Otten
- State Representative John Lawrence
- State Representative Kristine Howard
- State Representative Melissa Shusterman
- State Representative Paul Friel
- State Senator John Kane
- State Senator Katie Muth
Local and Regional
The Office works to establish strong relationships with the Borough of West Chester in which it primarily resides as well as with West Goshen and East Bradford Townships, residing in these local municipalities in part. The University also maintains a vibrant relationship with Chester County and its associated regional entities.
Local Government
- Borough of West Chester
Mayor, Lillian DeBaptiste
Borough Manager, Sean Metrick
- West Goshen Township
Township Manager, Chris Bashore
Assistant Township Manager/Zoning Officer, Jaime Jilozian - East Bradford Township
Township Manager, Mandie Cantlin
Chester County Commissioners and County Administrator
- Chester County Commissioners and Administrator
- Marian Moskowitz, Chester County Commissioner, Chair
- Josh Maxwell, Chester County Commissioner, Vice-Chair
- Michelle Kichline, Chester County Commissioner
- Robert Kagel, Chester County Chief Administrator
- Erik Walschburger, Deputy Administrator
Request an Elected Official
To request engagement with an elected official, such as for a class visit or toward advocacy, please contact the Executive Director, Dr. Julie Dietrich, at jdietrich@wcupa.edu or 610-436-3424 for direct assistance and support.
Advocacy
The Office of External Relations works to inform and guide the advocacy of the University’s leadership, faculty, and students on institutional, divisional, and/or departmental priorities.
- To develop and steward the institutional advocacy agenda, supporting the institutional strategic goals and grounded in the President’s institutional vision
- To work with the faculty, students, and staff to help inform and guide their advocacy in their respective areas consistent with the institutional mission, strategic plan, and priorities
- To provide guidance and support students’ self-advocacy on key issues
- To support faculty members’ providing testimony to government entities