Michelle Willard is currently Sacramento State’s new Chief of External Relations. Willard was brought onto the team by President Luke Wood to revitalize and develop crucial relationships and partnerships to help transform the university. In this new role, Willard will be at the forefront overseeing federal, state and local policy initiatives and developing strategic partnerships with private industry leaders.

Prior to taking on this new and ambitious role, Willard was the Chief Public Affairs Officer with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC). There she worked with community leaders, CEO’s, city council members, congressional leaders, presidents and county supervisors to develop initiatives to the six counties in Sacramento. Before her departure Willard worked collaboratively with the medial, state, congressional and local officials and community partners to see through the success of a $1.5 billion semiconductor investment with BOSCH, a German global company.

In the onset of her career, Willard envisioned herself as CNN’s top news anchors. Determined to achieve this goal, Willard earned her BS in Broadcast, Journalism and Marketing from Lyndon State College in Vermont. She embarked on her career in broadcasting as a city reporter and news anchor for KTXS News in Abilene Texas and NEWS 19 WLTX in Columbia South Carolina.

Willard has used her background in television to take her to great heights. With a strong work ethic, dedication and focus, Willard has established a great track record and brings a wealth of knowledge to each position she has held. She was recently recognized by Comstock Magazine Women in Leadership article in their annual salute to women in the top of their field. In her spare time, however, Willard enjoys spending time with her husband, an AirForce pilot, and two young boys.