UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Michael DiRaimo, who has led Penn State’s lobbying efforts since January 2012 and served the University’s interests since 2001, announced today (Aug. 16) that he will be stepping down from his position Sept. 15, while continuing to work at Penn State in an advisory role for special projects for the remainder of the year. A search will be conducted to fill the position.
As vice president for Government and Community Relations, DiRaimo has been the face of Penn State in Harrisburg, Washington, D.C., and in interactions with Centre Region and State College government agencies. The office represents all of the University’s colleges, campuses and research units in all aspects of state, federal, local and healthcare agency relations. He has served as adviser to President Eric Barron and University leaders, providing guidance and insights into governmental issues.
“Mike’s vast experience as a lobbyist and as a champion for Penn State has served the University well. His ability to keep our legislature and governor informed and to track hundreds of issues that could impact the University, while communicating our greatest needs and always telling Penn State’s story as a worldwide leader in higher education, are just a few of his many attributes,” Barron said. “I’m thankful that we have had a person like Mike as the face of Penn State in Government Relations. He was always able to get the job done, and his lasting influence on Penn State will be evident as we move ahead. His leadership and experience will be sorely missed, but I wish him the best in whatever his future holds.”
DiRaimo earned a bachelor’s degree in 1979 and a master’s in history in 1998, both from Penn State. He brought more than 30 years of experience with him when he was appointed to lead the office, including serving as the University’s director of state relations for 10 years and working in the General Assembly before that.
“I have been honored to serve Penn State and its great leaders of the past 15 years,” DiRaimo said. “Whenever I have introduced myself, saying ‘I’m Michael DiRaimo,’ it usually doesn’t generate much reaction, until I add, ‘from Penn State.’ Then, people’s eyes light up. Nothing feels better than when I see that reaction to those last three words. To be able to say that I represent Penn State, in the highest political circles, has been the crowning professional achievement of my life.”
His work at Penn State has included keeping national and state legislators apprised of the University’s initiatives; advocating for the University on state budget matters, including during state budget impasses and proposed cuts to higher education funding; and working with local officials. To that end, DiRaimo oversaw the addition of a local government relations position and a change in the office’s name, building on the office’s coordinated efforts.
“When it came to advancing Penn State’s agenda in Harrisburg, I always worked hard to know the issues, and to be honest, forthright and steadfast in my advocacy of Penn State’s interests,” DiRaimo said. “I always believed that I owed it to Penn State to give it my unrelenting efforts on its behalf. That dedication has been paid back to me many times over.”
Before returning to work at Penn State, DiRaimo served as a researcher and legislative assistant to the late James J. Manderino, Democratic leader and later speaker of the House in the state House of Representatives. For 15 years after that, he was an advocate for basic education, including representing educational institutions and serving as the state and federal liaison for Pittsburgh public schools.
In his advisory role, DiRaimo will continue to lead the University’s Military Appreciation Week initiative. DiRaimo said he is looking forward to continuing to serve the University, while transitioning to retirement.
“I’m stepping away from heading the office to lessen the load and enjoy some free time, but also to focus on these targeted issues,” DiRaimo said. “I am most proud of the staff — their professionalism and dedication. It is, without a doubt, the best collection of higher education lobbyists in the country.”
A search committee to fill the position has been formed: Tom Poole, vice president for administration (chair); Lawrence Lokman, vice president for Strategic Communications; Madlyn Hanes, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses; and Neil Sharkey, vice president for research.