Newman appointed executive dean at Kennedy School

J. Bonnie Newman, former senior aide to President George Bush and currently a senior public affairs and government relations consultant, has been named Executive Dean at the Kennedy School of Government, announced Dean Joseph S. Nye Jr.

The Executive Dean is the senior administrative officer of the Kennedy School. Newman will join the senior management group in developing the strategic direction of the School. Newman officially takes up the position in early August.

“Bonnie has been an influential leader who is strongly committed to public service,” Nye said. “She has an impeccable record as a public servant at the highest level of government. In the private sector, she worked to create solutions for corporate and nonprofit firms facing government relations challenges. This wealth of experience, coupled with her work in academia, give her the skills needed to help guide the Kennedy School.”

A resident of North Hampton, N.H., Newman is the founder and managing director of The CommerceGroup, LLC, a strategic communications consultancy. She is also active as a private investor in the financing and development of early stage entrepreneurial opportunities. Prior to the establishment of The CommerceGroup, she served as interim dean of the Whittemore School of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire. There, Newman established a distance learning program and worked with faculty to initiate technology upgrades for that school.

Newman served in both the Reagan and Bush administrations. From 1989 to 1991 she served as assistant to the president for management and administration, where she oversaw all administrative operations for the White House and executive office of the president during the transition and administration of George Bush. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan nominated Newman as assistant secretary of commerce for economic development. Previously, she served as associate director of the Office of Presidential Personnel at the White House (1982-1984) and was chief of staff for New Hampshire Congressman Judd Gregg (1981-1982).

Newman received her B.A. in social science from St. Joseph’s College and an M.Ed. in higher education administration from Pennsylvania State University. In addition, she has received honorary degrees from Rivier College, Keene State College, Notre Dame College, and St. Joseph’s College.