Joe Dacca has been selected as the next Vice President of the Office External Affairs, 天美影视传媒 President Ana Mari Cauce announced Thursday. Dacca鈥檚 appointment is effective July 2. He will succeed Randy Hodgins, who is retiring on July 1 after 21 years leading External Affairs.
鈥淛oe鈥檚 unique blend of experience across several levels of government as well as his deep institutional knowledge make him well positioned to take on this role,鈥� said Hodgins. 鈥淗is expertise in advocacy, knowledge of regional public policy, and commitment to this University will be critical as the UW navigates upcoming campus leadership changes and a challenging political landscape.鈥�
With nine years of service to the University as Director of State Relations, Dacca brings a wealth of experience in public policy, government relations, and higher education advocacy to his new role. Prior to his work at the UW, he served on staff for former U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer and Norm Dicks as well as a legislative assistant in the Washington State Senate. A proud UW alumnus, Dacca graduated with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science.
鈥淚 am grateful to President Cauce for the opportunity to serve my alma mater in this important role and I am honored to continue to work alongside the talented and dedicated External Affairs team,鈥� said Dacca. 鈥淏uilding on the foundation led by Vice President Randy Hodgins, we will continue to strengthen partnerships both inside and outside the University and work collaboratively to advance the dynamic, public-facing mission of the UW.鈥�
The Office of External Affairs is responsible for government and community relations at the federal, state, regional, and tribal levels. Units within External Affairs advocate for the UW鈥檚 priorities on a wide variety of issues, provide advice on legislative strategy, build and maintain relationships with leaders across Washington state, and raise awareness of emerging issues and opportunities. The Vice President of External Affairs reports directly to the UW President.
During this transition, Morgan Hickel will serve as interim director of State Relations beginning on July 2.
The full release from UW News is available on their website.