Assistant Vice President of Federal Relations

McKernan, based in Washington, DC, leads the UT Office of Federal Relations and represents the UT System’s interests with Congress, federal agencies and the administration. In association with the UT System president, chancellors, institute leaders and the vice president of government relations, McKernan leads the development and execution of the University’s federal agenda and its response to federal legislation, rules and executive orders, while also providing an opportunity for UT students, faculty and staff to showcase their expertise at the federal level. McKernan has more than 11 years of experience working within the legislative branch in Washington, DC for both former U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander and U.S. Senator John Boozman. She is an alumna of Miami University.