Chris Kolb reappointed as vice president for government relations
The Board of Regents approved the reappointment of Chris Kolb as vice president for government relations for a new five-year term.
Kolb provides university-wide leadership and strategic direction for U-M’s government relations programs at the local, state and federal levels, as well as the Economic Growth Institute and U-M’s participation in the Research Universities for Michigan.
President Domenico Grasso recommended the reappointment at the Oct. 16 regents meeting, saying, “I can’t imagine any previous vice president for government relations navigating such a challenging, strenuous and uncertain time as we’ve seen in recent years. Chris has done so with deep knowledge, patience, and good humor and has been tremendously effective in seeing that the university continues to be well-regarded in Washington, Lansing and throughout our state.”
Since his appointment in 2021, Kolb has strengthened U-M’s partnerships with policymakers and community leaders while advancing major institutional priorities. Under his direction, the university has secured sustained increases in state appropriations and funding for key initiatives, including $130 million for the Electric Vehicle Center and $100 million for a partnership with a national laboratory to establish high-performance computing facilities.
He also has expanded student public service internships, advanced scholarship programs and supported new state leadership appointments.
“It is a privilege to represent the University of Michigan and to work alongside so many talented colleagues who care deeply about this university and our state,” Kolb said. “I look forward to continuing that work to ensure U-M remains a trusted partner in advancing opportunity and innovation for all Michiganders.”
Kolb has built a career in public service, with experience in state and local government, public policy and community relations. He served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and on the Ann Arbor City Council, where he was mayor pro-tem. He earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resources from U-M.
