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About Us

Chris is the Vice President for Government Relations and oversees federal, state, and community engagement.

Welcome to the Office of Government Relations at the University of Michigan!

Here, you will find valuable information about the crucial work our office does in fostering strong relationships between the University of Michigan and government entities at the local, state, and federal levels.

Our mission in Government Relations is to advocate for policies and resources that support the university’s goals of providing world-class education, groundbreaking research, and impactful public service. We work diligently to ensure that the voices of the university community are heard and that the needs of our students, faculty, and staff are met through supportive legislation and funding.

I am honored to serve in the role of Vice President for Government Relations, bringing my deep-rooted connection to the state and my passion for public service to the forefront. Born and raised in Michigan, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of education and public policy. My career in government and public service, including my tenure as a state legislator and as the Budget Director for the State of Michigan, has equipped me with a unique perspective on the importance of effective advocacy and collaboration.

Our dedicated Government Relations staff, spread across our offices in Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Washington, D.C., work to build and maintain these vital connections. Their expertise and commitment are the driving force behind our efforts to secure funding for research that leads to medical breakthroughs, advocate for policies that enhance educational opportunities and partner with local communities to address pressing issues.

At the University of Michigan, we believe in the power of partnerships. Our work is vital in building bridges between the university and policymakers, ensuring that we continue to lead in innovation and excellence.

Thank you for visiting our website. We invite you to explore the resources available here and learn more about how our efforts support the University of Michigan’s mission. 

Together, we can continue to make a difference for the university, the state of Michigan, and beyond.

Go Blue!

Chris Kolb
Vice President for Government Relations

Neil informs and advises University of Michigan (U-M) campuses on federal legislative, regulatory and research policy developments that affect university research operations. His role reflects the importance federal investments play at research universities and as the largest sponsor of U-M research. In this capacity, Neil will direct efforts to catalyze, safeguard and protect the university’s research enterprise.

Neil Canfield: Executive Director for Federal Relations and Federal Research

Nell Dority supports the Vice President for Government Relations.

Nell Dority: Chief of Staff

Kathleen Drew manages federal relations

Kathleen Drew: Federal Relations Manager

LaSonia Forte serves the eastern region of the State of Michigan, including Detroit, Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, and Alpena. As an outreach representative in the Office of Government Relations, LaSonia's role is to build strategic partnerships in the business, institutional, government, education and non-profit sectors throughout the east side of Michigan.

LaSonia Forte: Associate Director of State Outreach

Sean Hammond associates directly with Government Relations

Sean Hammond: Interim Director, Government Relations

Anita supports Community relations, State Outreach, and the United Way campaign

Anita Greca: Administrative Assistant Intermediate

Terry supports the Vice President for Government relations

Terry Ianni: Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Government Relations

Angela supports Community relations, State relations, and the United Way Campaign

Angela Keys: Administrative Assistant Intermediate

Chris is the Vice President for Government Relations and oversees federal, state, and community engagement.

Chris Kolb: Vice President for Government Relations

Andrea Lewis specializes in Government Relations

Andrea Lewis: Government Relations Specialist

Communications Director Lauren Love

Lauren Love: Communications Director

Director of Community Relations, Michael Rein coordinates activities and engagement linked with community-based organizations and local government officials in the greater Ann Arbor area and Southeastern Michigan, including Detroit. Michael also coordinates the engagement activities of Government Relations’ State Outreach officials, Dana Sitlzer and LaSonia Forte across the state of Michigan.

Michael Rein: Director of Community Relations

Mark manages digital communications, supports community relations and state relations, and oversees data

Mark Rivett: Senior Web Designer

Dana's areas of outreach include the west side of Michigan, northern, Tribal Connections and Project Manager for Michigan Road Scholars Tour.

Dana Sitzler: Associate Director of State Outreach

Director of Federal Relations

Zach Weber: Director of Federal Relations