UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Michael Stefan, who has served several roles in state government, most recently as legislative director of the Department of Labor and Industry, has been named the University’s director of state relations. His appointment began Jan. 3.
The position is part of the Office of Government and Community Relations, which builds and oversees the University’s relationships with federal, state and local government officials and agencies. Stefan will focus on state government, an area with which he has extensive experience. In this role, he will engage with all functions of state government, including legislation, administrative decisions, budgetary actions and regulations by departments that impact higher education.
“The addition of Michael Stefan to the University brings unique experience and insight to our relationship with the Commonwealth and our legislators,” said Penn State President Eric J. Barron. “Michael’s role is one of critical importance to all of Penn State as we work to collaborate in the best interests of Pennsylvania, its taxpayers and our students. I look forward to working with him to highlight Penn State’s vital role across the Commonwealth.”
Stefan will report to Zack Moore, vice president for Government and Community Relations.
“The Office of Government and Community Relations is excited to have Mike join our team,” Moore said. “He brings to Penn State in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of state government, and great bipartisan relationships with elected officials and staff in Harrisburg. He will be a passionate and effective advocate for Penn State in the halls of the state capitol.”
Stefan, a Penn State graduate and licensed attorney, has more than eight years of combined experience in state government and as a lobbyist. As legislative director of the Department of Labor and Industry, he served as the primary contact between the department, the governor’s office and the legislature. That included tracking and analyzing legislation, advocating for policies and legislation, and preparing information for budget hearings as well as testimony on behalf of the department.
“As an alumnus, there is no greater opportunity than to represent this university in the halls of Harrisburg,” Stefan said. “I look forward to joining such an established team of government affairs professionals and continuing the work advocating for the mission of Penn State University.”
Stefan has served as the state Office of Attorney General’s director of government affairs, acting as a contact between the office and the General Assembly. He managed constituent services, monitored legislation and its impact, and coordinated events to build relationships with government officials and other constituents.
Stefan’s experience also includes serving as the legislative representative, and then legislative director, for the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and office manager for the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee. In his role with the AFL-CIO, he assisted in developing the organization’s legislative agenda and served as an advocate for workers in Pennsylvania.
A native of Palmyra, Stefan earned a bachelor’s in business management from Penn State with a minor in labor and industrial relations. He earned a juris doctorate from Widener University School of Law along with a legislative certificate from the Law and Government Institute, while continuing to work.