State Government Relations

Veronica Villalobos Cruz was named director of state government relations in May 2007, and promoted to executive director in 2008.

Based in Sacramento, she represents USC before the state legislature and state government agencies on matters related to state policy, budget and regulations, and advises university administration on issues involving state officials and state agencies. She promotes the university’s academic and public affairs agendas at the state level and advances its research and public service agendas by providing policymakers with access to topical research and expert faculty for briefings and testimony. She also serves as USC’s liaison with statewide trade associations.

Before joining USC, Villalobos Cruz spent more than six years as vice president of public affairs for the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), the statewide association for California’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities.

She graduated from Santa Clara University in 1999 with a bachelor of science in political science and obtained a master’s degree in public policy from USC.

Last updated: 02/15/12

Federal Relations

Jennifer Grodsky was named executive director of federal relations in March 2005. Based in Washington, D.C., she promotes USC’s academic and public affairs agenda at the federal level and advises the university on issues involving federal officials, federal agencies, and national academic and scientific organizations.

She previously spent four years as legislative director for Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Health Task Force. Prior to that, Grodsky spent two and a half years as legislative assistant for Congressman Julian C. Dixon, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Grodsky currently serves on the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities

She graduated magna cum laude from USC with a bachelor of arts in political science and psychology.

Last updated: 04/02/12

Craig S. Keys joined USC as associate senior vice president for civic engagement in January 2012. Reporting to the senior vice president for university relations, Keys is responsible for working in partnership with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and USC faculty, staff and students in support of the university’s engagement priorities. He also plays a key role in building and maintaining strong relationships between USC’s research and outreach programs, in facilitating and implementing President Nikias’ community initiatives, and in documenting and evaluating community involvement at USC.

Previously, Keys was principal consultant for Keys Consulting Group, a government affairs and public policy firm, where he developed and implemented government and community outreach programs and was responsible for external relations and project consensus building on the federal, state and municipal levels.

Keys currently serves on the board of Praxis Project Inc., which promotes cultural arts and entertainment projects. He is also the managing board member and legal affairs director for NextAid Inc., a nonprofit organization that finances sustainable development projects, constructs housing, and provides educational, cultural and economic resources for children in Africa who are affected by AIDS.

Keys holds a bachelor’s degree in social theory and mass communications from UC Berkeley, a master’s degree in sociology and law from Columbia University, a J.D. from the University of California Hastings College of the Law, and a certificate in real estate finance from the USC Marshall School of Business’ Ross Minority Program in Real Estate.

Last updated: 02/02/12