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PUBLIC AFFAIRS

 ABOR Officers

Katie Paquet

602/229-2543
Katie.Paquet@azregents.edu

Katie Paquet, 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. Katie 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. Katie 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.

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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.

 Christine Thompson
Jennifer Grentz

602/229-2542
jennifer.grentz@azregents.edu

Jennifer Grentz, Assistant Executive Director for Public Affairs, handles day-to-day communication and outreach to media representatives.  She works in concert with university communications personnel to enhance the University System’s advocacy and public awareness efforts.  Jennifer also assists with a variety of special projects including the Board's Solutions through Higher Education effort, providing orientation for new reporters and for students who hold leadership positions in the Arizona Students Association, researching of issues affecting public policy, and drafting various papers, messages, and other documents on higher education topics for the Board.		 Jennifer Grentz
Carolyn Bennett

602/229-2517
carolyn.bennett@azregents.edu

Carolyn Bennett, Online Communications Specialist, works collaboratively with central office staff to ensure the effective communication of messages and information about the Board of Regents and the public university system in Arizona via the Board of Regents' website.  Carolyn also updates the Board's Policy Manual and coordinates the distribution of these updates via the web.

 Carolyn Bennett
Sue Sosa

602/229-2516
sue.sosa@azregents.edu

Sue Sosa, Administrative Assistant, provides support services for the Deputy Executive Director and the Associate Executive Director for Public Affairs and External Relations. She coordinates meetings, conference calls, and travel arrangements; coordinates and organizes calendars and contact lists; establishes and maintains electronic, SharePoint, and manual files, and prepares various documents and materials.  She also provides phone coverage for the Executive Area of the Board of Regents; back-up support for the Executive Director’s area as needed, Board book production for the Board secretary; assistance with office-wide projects; and is the contact person for vendors that provide services to the central office.

Sue Sosa
Ceile Plonski

602/229-2540
 ceile.plonski@azregents.edu 

Ceile Plonski, Legal Assistant, provides support services to the Board's  Assistant Executive Director for Government Affairs.   She coordinates meetings and conference calls for the Assistant Executive Director with senior government affairs officers of the universities and external groups related to government affairs and assists with bill tracking during the Legislative session .
Ceile Plonski

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Contact us
Arizona Board of Regents
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 230
Phoenix, AZ 85004-4593
Telephone: (602) 229-2500 / Fax: (602) 229-2555