Welcome to our newest Duke Ellington School of the Arts Project Board Member, Renee McPhatter, Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations at George Washington University. Renee manages the strategic direction of the federal, state and local governmental activities of the university, as well as its community and business relations. Before taking this position in August 2011, Renee served as general counsel for the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services. She previously served as deputy director of policy and legislative affairs for former D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty and director of the D.C. Smoke Free Campaign for the American Cancer Society. Earlier in her career, Renee worked for D.C. Councilmember Kathy Patterson and former U.S. Rep. Sam Coppersmith (D-Ariz.). Renee earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her law degree from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. She resides in the District with her son.