Auburn selects legislative and public policy veteran to lead its governmental affairs

Jared White, a public policy and legislative affairs veteran in the state of Alabama, will begin a new role as Auburn University’s executive director of governmental affairs on Aug. 1.

White will lead Auburn’s efforts in the Alabama State Capitol, serving as the university’s primary liaison with the state legislature, state agencies and elected officials. He will be based in Montgomery while working closely with university leadership in Auburn.

“It’s a privilege to serve the alma mater I love in this important role,” said White. “I look forward to working in Montgomery to strengthen Auburn’s role as a driver of economic opportunity, first-class education and world-changing research.”

White currently works as the director of legislative affairs for Gov. Kay Ivey and has served in various positions in the governor’s office since 2014. White previously worked for Tigers Unlimited, the development arm of the Auburn Athletics Department, and for Auburn Athletics itself. He graduated from Auburn in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in history and in 2013 with a master’s degree in higher education administration. He received a doctorate in higher education administration in 2018, also from Auburn. 

White was a three-year letter winner for the Auburn swimming and diving team. He was a two-time first team All-SEC student-athlete, five-time NCAA All-American and a former NCAA record holder. He was an Olympic trials qualifier and competitor in 2008.