Last modified: Monday, June 21, 2004
Forbes returns to Indiana University to lead state relations effort
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University today (June 21) named J Thomas Forbes its new executive director of state relations. Forbes, a former trustee and assistant vice president at IU, will leave his current position at Michigan State University to begin his new duties at IU in mid-July.
For the last four years, Forbes has served as assistant vice president for university relations at Michigan State University, where he has led the university's communications division.
Prior to his work in Michigan, Forbes served as assistant vice president for public affairs and government relations at IU from 1997 to 2001 and as special assistant to the president and coordinator of federal relations for two years.
Forbes also assisted former IU state relations director Don Weaver and served as a policy analyst in the Indiana General Assembly, working with members from both sides of the aisle and representatives of the administration. His service as an IU trustee included work as chair of the government and external relations committee.
"We are extremely pleased that J T. is returning to his alma mater and will be serving IU in this important role. He possesses an exceptional knowledge of higher education issues, and he understands Indiana University and the legislative process particularly well," said IU president Adam Herbert.
"I am excited about this opportunity and the challenges that lie ahead," Forbes said. "It has always been my desire to return to IU, and given the broad range of experiences and results-oriented track record I have amassed over the last several years, I am confident that I can contribute a great deal to this remarkable institution and its amazing faculty, students and staff."
Forbes will join the university's government relations team on July 12 and report to IU's vice president for government relations, Tom Healy.
"J T. brings that rare combination of attributes so important to effective legislative advocacy: a sharp intellect, strong institutional knowledge and a patient and professional demeanor. We're looking forward to having him on board," Healy said.
Forbes will be joined by Kathy Smith-Andrew, IU's associate director for state relations, in the university's state relations efforts.
Forbes earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public affairs and philanthropic studies from IU. He will be paid $148,000 in his new position.
