Chris Devine, who currently serves as the director of budget and appropriations for the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has been named as the University of Georgia’s director of federal relations. He will begin his new role with UGA on Sept. 9.
Based in Washington, D.C., Devine will be UGA’s primary liaison to Capitol Hill, the executive branch, federal agencies, and related groups. He will help develop and implement the university’s federal agenda. He will also make connections between university representatives and key elected and appointed officials, including coordinating meetings in Washington, D.C., and Athens.
“Chris has expertise in both the legislative appropriations process and budget-related proposals with federal agencies,” said Kevin Abernethy, UGA’s vice president for government relations. “As the university advances our teaching, research, and public service missions, the critical support we receive from Congress and federal agencies is essential to our success. I look forward to working with Chris to enhance our relationships with federal stakeholders, advocate for the university’s priorities and strengthen UGA’s Office of Government Relations.”
In Devine’s current role, he advises the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on programs and spending related to a variety of initiatives including economic development, infrastructure and water resources.
Before joining the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee staff, he served on the staff for the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget, focusing on budget analysis and advocacy. He also worked as a legislative correspondent in the office of Sen. Johnny Isakson.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to return to my alma mater, which afforded me an invaluable educational and professional foundation,” Devine said. “I am eager to promote the University of Georgia and look forward to working with members of congress and federal agencies to advance the university’s institutional priorities in Washington, D.C.”
Devine earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and international affairs and his master’s degree in public administration from UGA in 2015 and 2017, respectively. During his graduate work, Devine served as a graduate assistant in UGA’s Office of Government Relations and the Department of Public Administration and Policy.
