University of Minnesota President-designate Eric Kaler appointed Amy Phenix as chief of staff Tuesday in his first executive staff appointment.
She will oversee communications, marketing, college relations, athletics operations and the University Senate. She will also be involved in the UniversityâÄôs strategic planning process. The Board of Regents will formally vote on PhenixâÄôs appointment in this weekâÄôs meeting.
She will begin working for the University in mid-April to help create a smooth transition for Kaler, who takes over as president July 1.
âÄúThe chance to return to one of the top academic and research universities in the world is a unique opportunity,âÄù said Phenix in a press release. âÄúThe impact that Dr. Kaler will have on the University and the ability to help advance that agenda will be truly exciting.âÄù
Phenix is currently the director of communications at Macalester College in St. Paul. She was the director of news and public information at the University from 1999 until 2004.
She also worked in communications management at Himle Horner, a public relations firm in Minneapolis, and directed communications for the cityâÄôs mayor from 1997-99.