We lead advocacy for Brown's priorities, represent the University in public, strengthen Brown as a research institution, increase support for Brown's role as an economic and cultural anchor and create and strengthen Brown's partnerships. Much of our time is spent advising Brown colleagues on issues, events, politics, policies and compliance, as well as communications with a diverse group of external constituencies.
Government Relations
Office of Government Relations
The Office of Government Relations (OGR) protects and advances the University's interests in the political, policy and regulatory areas at the federal, state and city levels.
Office of Government Relations
The Office of Government Relations (OGR) protects and advances the University's interests in the political, policy and regulatory areas at the federal, state and city levels.
Who We Are
-
Al Dahlberg
As the Associate Vice President, Al oversees the operations and strategic direction of the office. He represents the University in the community, in associations and is the primary liaison for the University in the state house and state agencies. Prior to joining Brown, Al was Deputy Secretary of State and Chief of Staff to the Rhode Island Secretary of State. He previously worked at the US EPA Office of Air and the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee as Counsel on clean air issues. Al graduated from Georgetown University and Boston College Law School. He was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar in 1996 and Massachusetts Bar in 1997.
-
Steve Gerencser
As the Director of Government Relations, Steve leads the university's federal relations team and its legislative and regulatory efforts in Washington DC. Before joining Brown, he was Deputy Secretary of State and Chief of Staff to the Rhode Island Secretary of State. Earlier in his career, he served as Senior Advisor to Chairman Christopher Dodd on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and advised several Members of Congress. Steve earned a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont and received his Ed.M. in Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship with a concentration in Higher Education from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.
-
Jesse Poon
As the Assistant Director, Federal Relations, Jesse is based in Washington, D.C. and interfaces with Congress and Executive Branch agencies. Prior to joining Brown, he served as Principal of Government Relations at Lewis-Burke Associates LLC, where he advocated on behalf of public and private universities, research organizations, and scientific societies. A native Rhode Islander, Jesse graduated from Tufts University.
-
Joshua Corria
As Assistant Director, City Relations, Joshua represents Brown publicly, working with neighbors, community leaders, local elected officials and staff. Joshua brings the community to campus and oversees neighborhood relations. Previously, Joshua served as the Community Programs Manager at the Annenberg Institute at Brown University, where he ran College Day at Brown. Prior to coming to Brown, Joshua was the Director of High School Success at the College Crusade of Rhode Island, the largest college access program in the state. Joshua graduated from Utica College with a BS in Business Management and holds a Master’s in Urban Education Policy from Brown University.
Sponsorships
If you would like to request that Brown sponsor your non-profit event, email wendy_wallace@brown.edu.
Neighbor Comments/Questions or Monthly Newsletter sign-up
Please email community@brown.edu
Our Values
Collaborative
Nurture relationships with Brown’s internal and external communities and identify opportunities to work together.
Ethical
Practice integrity and thoughtful decision-making in doing what is best for Brown.
Attentive
Anticipate and respond to the needs of Brown’s internal and external communities.
Federal Government Relations
The Office of Government Relations (OGR) advocates for the University's interests and advances higher education on a national scale. We connect the University to federal officials and policymakers through regular and active engagement in Washington, leveraging faculty and staff expertise to contribute to public policy.
OGR focuses its advocacy on supporting the University’s mission and higher education broadly, including securing federal funding for scientific research and the humanities, advocating for federal student aid programs, research administration, and addressing tax and immigration policies that impact the university community.
OGR offers faculty, staff, and students strategic guidance to help achieve policy and funding objectives through informed engagement with congressional offices and federal agencies, including preparing for committee hearings, and advocating for institutional priorities.
OGR collaborates with a range of higher education associations and coalitions to advance shared goals.
- American Council on Education (ACE)
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
- Association of American Universities (AAU)
- Association of Research Libraries (ARL)
- Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)
- Coalition for National Security Research (CNSR)
- Consortium on Financing Higher Education (COFHE)
- Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA)
- Council of Graduate Schools (CGS)
- Council on Governmental Relations (COGR)
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)
- National Humanities Alliance (NHA)
- Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration (PAHEI)
- The Science Coalition (TSC)
State and City Government Relations
OGR is the primary liaison to Rhode Island state government and City of Providence. We work with state and city officials on issues of mutual interest such as sustainability, health care and medical research. OGR tracks and influences legislation that could affect our students, employees, research or operations. We also provide support to policymakers by engaging our experts and resources, participating on committees and commissions, and sharing research of use to state and city decision makers. If you want to advocate in the State House or City Hall, or receive an invitation to testify, we can provide expertise and guidance.
Local Impact
Global Excellence, Local Impact
Throughout Brown’s 250 year history, the University and the City of Providence have been integral partners.
Resources for the Local Community
Brown University is deeply committed to working together with and in support of community partners to make a positive impact in Providence and across Rhode Island and the region.
Find opportunities to engage with Brown and learn more about our connection to the community and impact throughout Rhode Island.
Resources for the Brown Community
Brown employees contemplating a run for political office should consult Brown's policy.
The purpose of this policy is to specify permitted use and restrictions of University facilities and resources for politically-related activity on campus by students and employees.