Michael Arens Appointed Assistant Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Stony Brook University

Michael Arens Appointed Assistant Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Stony Brook University

Michael Arens

STONY BROOK, NY, April 12, 2012
 – Michael Arens, Manager, State and Local Government Affairs, for Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY, has been appointed to the position of Assistant Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Stony Brook University effective April 23, announced Elaine Crosson, Vice President for External Relations at Stony Brook University.

In this newly created position, Arens will report directly to the Vice President for External Relations and coordinate federal, state and local government and community relations programs and activities for Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine and the Long Island State Veterans Home. He will provide leadership in the development, direction and implementation of strategies and communications with all levels and entities of government, county health, industry, community groups and national individuals and organizations, and keep the Vice President apprised of specific government relations issues and/or trends as they pertain to health care and higher education and their impact upon Stony Brook University. 

“Mike’s experience makes him a true asset for Stony Brook University,” said Crosson. “His background with Brookhaven National Lab, his reputation for integrity and his strategic thinking capabilities, and his strength in the area of communications and community relations are a welcome addition to the External Relations Department.” 

Arens brings more than 20 years of professional experience to the position, the last two of which were at BNL, where he was in charge of developing and managing state and local government and community relations programs and activities for the lab, providing government and community strategies for the advancement of lab priorities and nurturing positive relationships with local and statewide elected officials. His past experience includes a variety of governmental roles including serving as the Director of the Long Island Regional Office for Senate Majority Leader Senator Dean Skelos and as the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary to State Senator Charles Fuschillo. Additionally, Michael served as the Village Administrator for Mineola, where he had joint responsibility for a $20 million budget in a village with 200 employees and 20,000 residents; he also served as the Village Registrar, Receiver of Taxes and Elections Officer. 

As the Assistant Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Stony Brook University, Arens will also be responsible for interacting with the highest levels of representatives and/or elected officials on government relations matters; researching health care and education policy reports and information and preparing analytical reports for the Vice President and other members of the senior leadership team to provide relevant government relations information from various government entities, community groups and national individuals and organizations; providing assistance in coordinating and arranging visits with elected officials, business, civic and government agency leaders; and attending various national and local higher education, health and hospital organization meetings to ensure effective and collaborative working relationships with business, civic leaders and governmental agencies.