PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Cathy McGonigle

602/229-2528
cathy.mcgonigle@azregents.edu

As Deputy Executive Director and Senior Associate, Cathy McGonigle acts for the Executive Director during extended absences and is the lead liaison for the Executive Director to staff groups which support the Council of Presidents.  In her role as Manager of the Public Affairs area, she coordinates external relations of the Board and the central office, including legislative relations and public relations. Cathy also coordinates the communication and interaction of Board members and other ABOR representatives with the executive and legislative branches of state government. She oversees the development and distribution of media materials and organizes outreach activities in support of the Board's priorities and interests.  

Andrea Smiley

602/229-2543
andrea.c.smiley@azregents.edu

Andrea Smiley, Associate Executive Director for Public Affairs & External Relations, oversees and is responsible for the strategic communications activities of the board, this includes media relations, issues management and community relations. Andrea also works closely with senior staff, in a supportive role, on government relations. Additionally, she oversees the tactical activities of the board’s Web site and internal communications, and is the principal staff person leading and overseeing the Solutions Through Higher Education campaign, which seeks to create awareness and generate understanding of the challenges facing higher education in Arizona. Andrea also works closely with the public affairs staff of the state’s three universities on issues that impact, or create opportunities, for the state’s university system.

Christine Thompson

602/229-2520
cmt@azregents.edu

Christine Thompson, Assistant Executive Director for Government Affairs is the principal staff member responsible for government affairs. As such, she serves as the liaison with the executive and legislative branches of state government on government and legislative affairs; advocates for priorities of the Board; analyzes the impact of proposed legislation, makes presentations at legislative hearings, and serves as liaison with other governmental, higher education, and business organizations on Board initiatives. Christine also works directly with the Board’s Legislative Affairs Group and the universities’ government affairs officers on legislative matters.