In her position as director of governmental relations, Renee Fry wants to introduce UNMC researchers to federal opportunities for non-peer-reviewed research funding.
Before she can do that, however, Fry needs to introduce herself to those same medical scientists. That’s why she’s spent much of her first few weeks on campus in meetings with those researchers.
“If I’m hearing about federal opportunities for funding, it won’t mean anything unless I know who would be a good fit for the funding,” Fry said. “I hope investigators will use this office as a resource. I want to assist them with communication with federal agencies, as well as the Congressional delegation. I hope they will contact the office.”
Fry, who began at UNMC on Dec. 1, will work closely with Bob Bartee, executive assistant to the chancellor, and Thomas Rosenquist, Ph.D., vice chancellor for research. She’ll focus solely on federal issues, advancing UNMC’s relationship with its Congressional delegation and federal agencies; communicating UNMC’s research successes to various publics; strengthening UNMC’s presence on national and state panels, policy boards and commissions; and identifying, tracking and analyzing federal issues and proposals.
“We are excited to have Renee on board. Her analytical skills, legal background and understanding of public policy decisions make her an ideal fit for this position,” Bartee said. “She was selected after a national search that produced more than 180 applicants. Non-peer-reviewed federal funding is certainly an area of increased importance, and we’re confident that Renee’s experience and expertise will be a perfect fit for this position.”
A native of Wisconsin, Fry graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1998. Over the next five years, she held several positions working with Nebraska legislators. She served as legislative aide and legal counsel to Speaker of the Legislature Doug Kristensen, as legal counsel to the Judiciary Committee chaired by Sen. Kermit Brashear of Omaha, and as legislative aide to Sen. Joel Johnson of Kearney. In April 2003, Fry accepted a position in legal procurement with First Data Corp. in Omaha. UNMC’s reputation and a return to public policy lured her to applying for her new position, Fry said.
“I really missed being involved with public policy-making,” Fry said. “For some time, I’ve wanted to work in a governmental relations capacity, and I have a great deal of respect for the Medical Center. UNMC is on the cutting-edge in many areas, and the university culture is one that I can identify with.”
Fry said one of her first goals is working with Dr. Rosenquist’s office in identifying grant opportunities for UNMC researchers. She also will encourage more involvement by UNMC faculty members in influencing federal policy, through testimony at Congressional hearings and membership in federal committees and task forces, among other things.
“If we can find places for UNMC faculty to testify before Congress, to participate in drafting federal legislation and to just generally be more visible to the federal lawmakers and their staffs, it will have a positive impact on UNMC,” Fry said. “I’m excited about pursuing the opportunities that are available.”