Vanderbilt Names New Leader for Federal Relations

Erin Adrian has taken the helm of Vanderbilt University’s federal relations efforts, a position she began holding on Nov. 2. The appointment places a former senior executive from Intel and the Export-Import Bank in charge of the university’s interactions with Washington and its congressional delegations.

As associate vice chancellor for federal relations, Adrian will oversee advocacy for higher education and research policies. She will coordinate with campus leaders, members of Congress, and federal agencies. Her role extends beyond Nashville because Vanderbilt operates in other locations, including New York City, West Palm Beach, San Francisco, and Chattanooga. She reports to Nathan Green, the vice chancellor for government and community relations.

Adrian previously led Intel’s U.S. Federal Government Affairs team and its Global Economic Policy division. In that capacity, she focused on public policy priorities and global incentives. Before joining the technology company in 2017, she served in the Obama administration. She was the senior vice president of congressional and intergovernmental affairs at the Export-Import Bank of the United States. She also held advisory roles in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, working on tax, trade, budget, and international finance issues with senior committee members.

Nathan Green praised Adrian’s grasp of federal policy development and the relationships required to work within it. “Her experience with multiple states’ congressional delegations, the federal government and the private sector will be invaluable as we work to advance Vanderbilt’s priorities and ensure that the university’s voice is heard in Washington,” Green said. He noted that her background in policy creation would help the university secure its interests.

Adrian described her motivation for accepting the position at Vanderbilt. “What drew me to Vanderbilt is the opportunity to work alongside people whose teaching, research and ideas are making a difference well beyond the campus,” she said. She added that she looks forward to understanding the university’s priorities and translating that work into actionable policy in Washington.

Adrian holds a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Northwestern University. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and German area studies from the University of Washington. The Office of Federal Relations serves as the university’s primary liaison with the federal government, advocating for policies that support its academic mission. Faculty, staff, and partners can connect with Adrian through the office’s website.

The university’s expansion into new cities increases the complexity of its federal advocacy. Adrian’s portfolio includes managing these multi-state interests while maintaining direct lines to key policymakers in Washington. Her transition is complete as of this week.