Renee McPhatter, a seasoned D.C. government employee who has floated across several city offices, will head up GW’s government, community and business relations efforts.

McPhatter is entering the role of assistant vice president for government and community relations three and a half months after her predecessor Michael Akin stepped down from the job, ending his 12-year-long GW career. Akin was credited for building the office of community relations and beefing up engagement with local residents throughout his tenure.

Prior to joining GW, McPhatter served as general counsel for D.C.’s Department of Employment Services. She previously spent time in former Mayor Adrian Fenty’s office as the deputy director of policy and legislative affairs and as director of the D.C. Smoke Free Campaign for the American Cancer Society.

McPhatter also worked for former Rep. Sam Coppersmith, D-Ariz., and D.C. Councilmember Kathy Patterson. She graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before moving on to earn a law degree at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.

“Renee’s years of experience working with the District and federal government will be a great asset to George Washington,” Vice President for External Relations Lorraine Voles said. “She has excellent management skills that will help her lead a department with a broad portfolio responsible for relationships with our community, the District, Capitol Hill, the administration and Virginia’s political and business leaders.”