Release
Charles R. Williams Named Vice President for Governmental Affairs and Public Relations
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Charles R. |
Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980
ALBANY, N.Y. (August 24, 2005) -- Charles R. Williams, the senior manager for government affairs for MCI, has been named vice president for governmental affairs and public relations at the University at Albany.
As the University's chief government and public relations officer, Williams will be the architect of the University’s governmental relations and public relations programs. He will be responsible for directing initiatives that strengthen the understanding of and support for the University at Albany among local, state and federal officials as well as the community at large.
"We are delighted to have Charles join us," said University at Albany President Kermit L. Hall. "He has showcased outstanding talent in advocating for organizations before the executive and legislative branches of government, and before national professional and political organizations as well as the private sector. His work has been highly effective with leaders of government in addressing policy issues in higher education, particularly those issues unique to New York and Albany. We welcome his talents and expertise."
"I am honored to join the University at Albany as vice president for governmental affairs and public relations," said Williams. "The University has a strong commitment to academic distinction and the intellectual growth of its students, and I look forward to joining President Hall and the staff and faculty to set priorities to move UAlbany from the solid footing of its past successes to new and exciting levels of excellence."
At MCI, Williams directed state legislative efforts and acted as primary officer of the MCI NY political action committee. Williams recently helped secure approval of several multi-million dollar contracts amid intense competition.
Williams served as senior staff advisor for education to New York State Governor George Pataki from January 1999 through March 2004. As the Governor's Deputy Secretary for Education, he managed the legislative and budget process in a number of policy areas. Williams previously served the New York State Senate Majority Leader, Joseph L. Bruno.
Williams received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, and earned his master’s in public administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany.
He will assume the post in mid-September.
