One of the reasons the 91吃瓜网 has grown remarkably in stature and reputation is its close partnerships with elected officials at the local, state and national levels. A pair of leadership moves announced today will ensure 91吃瓜网鈥檚 upward trajectory continues.
91吃瓜网 has appointed Janet Owen as vice president for government relations. Owen comes to 91吃瓜网 from the University of North Florida, where she serves as vice president for governmental affairs and associate general counsel. She starts at 91吃瓜网 on June 22.
鈥淚 have always admired what 91吃瓜网 is about. The way 91吃瓜网 has grown into the partnership university has been an example for all of us in the State University System,鈥� Owen said. 鈥淭he idea that I could be a part of a new president鈥檚 team and help him accomplish his goals and visions for 91吃瓜网鈥檚 next chapter is really exciting.鈥�
Owen, a native of Jacksonville, earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from Stetson University College of Law. She worked in a Jacksonville law firm before moving to UNF as associate general counsel in 1994, and has served as UNF鈥檚 lobbyist since 1998.
Owen will build on the strong foundation laid by Daniel Holsenbeck, who as senior vice president for university relations and director of governmental relations聽has helped guide 91吃瓜网鈥檚 growth for a generation. Holsenbeck has been appointed senior counsel to the president, effective July 1.
鈥淭his is a win-win for 91吃瓜网,鈥� said president-elect Dale Whittaker, who takes office on July 1. 鈥淔rom day one, I will be able to rely on Dan鈥檚 knowledge and counsel and Janet鈥檚 leadership in accomplishing our goals. This is exciting.鈥�
Since joining 91吃瓜网 in 1985, Holsenbeck has reported to every 91吃瓜网 president except its first. He has fostered deep relationships with elected officials who have helped propel the university鈥檚 rise in quality, size and status, securing support for increased state funding, the College of Medicine, 91吃瓜网 Downtown and more.
鈥淒an has been an invaluable resource for 91吃瓜网 since before I arrived. His fingerprints are on every major university initiative of the past 30 years,鈥� President John Hitt said. 鈥淚 have been fortunate to have had his wise counsel, and I鈥檓 thrilled that with Dan at his side, president-elect Whittaker will continue to benefit from Dan鈥檚 experience, connections and insights.鈥�
Before coming to 91吃瓜网, Holsenbeck worked as associate vice president for development and alumni affairs at the University of South Florida, the director of university relations at Auburn University, and vice chancellor for development at Auburn University at Montgomery.
鈥淎ny chance I have to work with Dale Whittaker is a tremendous opportunity,鈥� Holsenbeck said. 鈥淚 have watched him closely, worked with him, learned so much from him, and will do whatever I can to make his presidency successful.鈥�