Tivitt to head government relations for UofL

The University of Louisville has turned to a veteran of both state and local government to lead its government relations operation.

[caption id="attachment_59888" align="alignright" width="240"] Shannon Tivitt will join University of Louisville Feb. 1 as vice president of government relations.[/caption]

Shannon Tivitt will join the university Feb. 1 as vice president of government relations. In this role, she will lead all university efforts to develop and maintain productive and positive relationships with all levels of government (federal, state, and local), collaborate with industry, community and governmental partners on joint initiatives, and provide ongoing monitoring and analysis of proposed legislation and emerging issues that could potentially impact the university.

“I'm incredibly honored to return to my alma mater and be part of President Schatzel's leadership team,” Tivitt said. “UofL is a vital component in so many ways to our city and state and I look forward to representing the university in our community.””

Currently serving as executive director of The One Water Partnership for Louisville Water/MSD, Tivitt has more than two decades of experience in government affairs, including serving as deputy chief of staff for former Gov. Steve Beshear and as chief of staff to Lieutenant Gov. Jerry Abramson. She also served as chief of staff and deputy secretary of the Cabinet for Community Development in Abramson’s Louisville mayoral administration.

“Shannon has the expertise, the skills, the contacts and the reputation to excel in representing the University of Louisville with leaders at all levels of government,“ said UofL President Kim Schatzel. “As the university works closely with government leaders on a variety of issues and projects, it was important to find someone who could hit the ground running. We clearly have that person in Shannon. I look forward to working with her during the current legislative session and into the future.”

Tivitt holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from UofL.