Gracie WarhurstThe University of Texas System has appointed Julia Rathgeber as vice chancellor for government relations, effective Feb. 1. Her role will include bridging communication between the UT System and Texas Legislature on policy and budget issues as well as connecting with other state entities to manage the UT System’s federal relations.
Rathgeber was the vice president of governmental and regulatory relations and business development for Berkshire Hathaway Energy for the past two years. She has more than 30 years’ experience working in Texas government.
“I am excited and honored to join the UT System team,” Rathgeber said in a statement. “I know firsthand the value of a UT education and I look forward to helping continue that commitment to excellence and to supporting the academic and health institutions that serve Texas, our nation, and the world so well.”
Her titles have included chief of staff for Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, as well as deputy chief of staff for Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. She was also president and CEO of the Association of Electric Companies of Texas.
“Julia Rathgeber has a distinguished record of successfully demonstrating knowledge in a wide array of public policy and budget matters, and she has longstanding, collaborative relationships with many agencies and officials that will serve the UT System very well,” UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken said in a statement.
Rathgeber, who attended UT for her undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor (JD), will replace Stacey Napier, who served as vice chancellor from November 2018 until January 2024. Napier was recently appointed general counsel to the UT System Board of Regents.
Photo courtesy of the UT System
