Alexis Ehrhardt named vice president for government relations at VCU

By Grant Heston

Virginia Commonwealth University has named Alexis I. Ehrhardt, Ed.D., as its next vice president for government relations, effective Dec. 8. She brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, public policy and economic and community development.

Ehrhardt currently serves as executive director for state government relations and special assistant to the president at the University of Virginia, where she leads the university’s engagement with the Office of the Governor, General Assembly and state agencies.

“Dr. Alexis Ehrhardt brings to VCU a great combination of statewide policy experience, a deep understanding of Virginia and a lifelong commitment to education, economic development and service,” VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., said. “She understands the power of universities like VCU to drive economic opportunity and growth through research and to advance public health and improve lives statewide, including in the regions that need us most. Her leadership and sincere commitment to lifting the lives of all human beings will help elevate our impact across the Commonwealth and beyond.”

At UVA, Ehrhardt has focused on the university’s comprehensive state government relations strategy, helped develop the university's legislative and budget priorities, and represented the university with a variety of stakeholders in Richmond and around the commonwealth.

"As I begin a new journey at VCU, I’m looking forward to representing the university with a wide variety of stakeholders, developing new partnerships and continuing to serve Virginia’s higher education community," Ehrhardt said. "It was a privilege to serve the University of Virginia, and a pleasure to work with the incredibly talented people who make it extraordinary.”

Prior to her work at UVA, Ehrhardt was president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. Earlier in her career, she served in academic and administrative positions at Averett University and Danville Community College, where she helped strengthen partnerships among education, business and community organizations.

Ehrhardt has lived in Virginia for 25 years and has been deeply engaged in statewide public service. She has held leadership and board roles with the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, Lead Virginia, the Danville Regional Foundation and the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.

Ehrhardt earned her doctor of education in leadership studies from the University of Lynchburg, a master’s in higher education from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree in Latin American and Caribbean studies and Spanish from Emory University.