Federal Government Relations

As an internationally recognized Tier I research university, Purdue University engages in cutting-edge research for both the private sector and the federal government. Part of the mission of the Federal Government Relations staff is to work with our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., and with federal agencies to provide funding for research.

Purdue also cooperates with other universities to ensure that rules and regulations established by the federal government do not have a negative impact on higher education. As a member of the government relations councils for the Association of American Universities and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, and of science coalitions dedicated to specific issues, our office is able to follow legislation and the rulemaking process to make certain Purdue's priorities are included in legislation and regulations.

The Purdue Team

In Washington, D.C., Purdue's Federal Government Relations division is managed by Deborah Hohlt. Hohlt and associate Jordan Wicker, both of whom are federally registered to represent the University before Congress and federal agencies, are assisted by Matt Sommer. 

This Washington-based team works closely with higher education associations such as the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) and the American Council on Education (ACE). Purdue also joins in advocacy activities for specific federal agencies of significant importance to faculty researchers through a number of coalitions, including:

• The Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)
• The Coalition for National Security Research (CNSR)
• The Energy Sciences Coalition (ESC)
• The Coalition for Aerospace and Science (CAS)

All Purdue federal advocacy priorities are determined in consultation with the University’s Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Office of The Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships, and the Purdue Research Foundation. There are clear rules of engagement for federal lobbying activity on behalf of Purdue University. Specific questions or concerns should be directed to individual leadership teams or our team in Washington.

For those who are in Washington on behalf of their professional association and visiting Capitol Hill, contact with D.C.-based team members is encouraged so that they can provide the most up-to-date information about Purdue priorities, contacts and briefings on members of the Indiana delegation and other policymakers.

Contact Information

Please see below for the Purdue Federal Government Relations team’s contact information.

Deborah Hohlt
debbie@indianagr.com
202-445-8999 (direct)

Jordan Wicker
jordan@indianagr.com

Matt Sommer
matt@indianagr.com

Main Office
1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 1140
Washington, D.C. 20004
202-347-0335