About Us
Guided by the university's commitment to public service and the promotion of academic excellence, USC's Office of Federal Relations assists policymakers by providing access to topical research and expert faculty for testimony and briefings. The office works with the higher education and scientific communities to promote the advancement of education and research at the national level.
Map & Directions
The USC Office of Federal Relations is located next to the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter metro station on the green and yellow lines.
Federal Relations Staff
Jennifer Grodsky, Executive Director
Jennifer Grodsky was named executive director of federal relations in March 2005. Based in Washington, D.C., she promotes the university’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. She graduated magna cum laude from USC with a bachelor of arts in political science and psychology.
Teal Pennebaker, Assistant Director
Teal Pennebaker joined the Office of Federal Relations as assistant director of federal relations in September 2011. Teal comes to USC from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services where she worked on health reform. Before moving to Washington, Teal served as director of communications for Stanford’s health policy center. She is a graduate of Wellesley College and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Melina Luizaga, Administrative Assistant
Melina Luizaga joined the Office of Federal Relations in January 2012. Prior to joining USC, she served as a practice administrator assistant for a medical and clinical research center, and as the special assistant to the executive director for a national nonprofit organization. A native-born Virginian of Bolivian background, Melina attends George Mason University, studying communications with a concentration in public relations. She is also enrolled in the George Washington University’s School of Business Event Management certification program.
A Private University Serving the Public Interest
Learn more about USC's role as a private university serving the public interest.
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