Boston, MA, January 13, 2026
News Summary
The University of Massachusetts Amherst announces strategic leadership appointments aimed at enhancing government affairs, expanding online education, and increasing global engagement. The university emphasizes its commitment to academic rigor and community impact through the integration of seasoned professionals in key roles. Notable appointments include Natalie M. Blais as Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations and Elizabeth Chen as the inaugural program director for an online Master of Health Administration program, alongside Claire Cronin as Scholar in Residence for Public Policy and Global Affairs.
Boston, MA — The University of Massachusetts Amherst is actively strengthening its leadership across critical areas, marked by several strategic appointments aimed at enhancing government affairs, expanding online educational programs, and deepening global engagement. These initiatives underscore UMass Amherst’s commitment to academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence, with a focus on delivering significant community and economic impact throughout Massachusetts. The strategic integration of experienced professionals into key roles highlights a forward-thinking approach to higher education leadership and public service.
The recent appointments reflect UMass Amherst’s dedication to cultivating strong connections with state and federal partners, while simultaneously broadening access to advanced educational opportunities. By bringing in leaders with extensive backgrounds in public policy, government, and healthcare administration, the university is poised to further its mission as a vital engine for economic development and social mobility within the Commonwealth. These leadership changes are designed to foster innovation and ensure responsive, responsible governance in an evolving educational landscape.
Strengthening Government Affairs and State Engagement
UMass Amherst has appointed Natalie M. Blais as the new Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations, effective January 20, 2026. In this pivotal role, Blais will oversee state and federal policy and funding initiatives, working to advance the university’s mission as a driver of social mobility and economic growth for both Western Massachusetts and the wider Commonwealth. Her responsibilities will include shaping legislative strategy and serving as the primary liaison to government officials, identifying campus research initiatives that align with funding opportunities. Blais brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Chief of Staff to the UMass Amherst Chancellor and as the first woman elected State Representative for the 1st Franklin District. She succeeds Chris Dunn, who has transitioned to the role of Executive Director of the UMass Building Authority. Dunn previously served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations, overseeing state and federal government relations for the campus and communicating the value of UMass Amherst to Massachusetts elected officials.
Expanding Opportunities in Online Health Administration
In a move to meet the growing demand for flexible, advanced education, the School of Public Health and Health Sciences (SPHHS) at UMass Amherst announced the appointment of Elizabeth Chen as the inaugural program director for its new online Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree program, effective June 30, 2025. This part-time, online MHA program is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in healthcare delivery and related industries. Dr. Chen, who will also join the SPHHS faculty as a Professor of Practice, brings a distinguished career in executive administration across pharmaceuticals/biotechnology, academia, and public service. The program was officially approved in 2024 by the UMass Board of Trustees and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, with its first cohort of students expected in Fall 2025. The curriculum is structured to provide students with core skills essential for senior roles in health care administration.
Enhancing Public Policy and Global Affairs
UMass Amherst is also bolstering its focus on public policy and global engagement with the appointment of The Honorable Claire Cronin, former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, as a Scholar in Residence for Public Policy and Global Affairs. Effective July 8, 2025, Ambassador Cronin will be based at the UMass Amherst Mount Ida Campus in Newton, Massachusetts. In this role, she will support initiatives in global education, global partnerships, and international student and scholar services, as well as professional development programs at the Mount Ida Campus. Her extensive background includes serving as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from 2022 to 2025 and as the first woman to serve as House Majority Leader in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Ambassador Cronin’s appointment reinforces the university’s commitment to providing students with global perspectives and preparing them for leadership roles on an international stage.
Leadership Development and Alumni Impact
Beyond specific appointments, UMass Amherst consistently invests in cultivating future leaders through programs such as the Chancellor’s Leadership Fellowship (CLF). This program provides faculty members with temporary appointments to administrative areas and mentorship to launch significant projects, fostering their leadership skills within the institution. The university also benefits from the broad impact of its alumni in influential positions, nationally and regionally. For example, Chris Dunn holds an MBA from UMass Amherst, underscoring the strong academic foundation provided by the institution for leaders in public service. Furthermore, the reach of UMass Amherst alumni extends to national roles, as demonstrated by individuals like Fallang, who holds an MBA from UMass Amherst and was involved in U.S. Treasury Department appointments. Katherine S. Newman, a distinguished alumna, also previously served as Provost at the University of Massachusetts and currently holds the Torrey Little Chair of Sociology at UMass Amherst, highlighting ongoing academic leadership and contributions.
Strategic Vision for Educational and Economic Ecosystem
These strategic leadership appointments at UMass Amherst are integral to the university’s broader vision of contributing to Massachusetts’s educational and economic ecosystem. By enhancing its public affairs capabilities, expanding flexible learning options, and deepening global policy expertise, UMass Amherst is solidifying its role as a leading public research university. The university’s commitment to innovation and discipline in its academic and administrative pursuits directly translates into enhanced opportunities for students, cutting-edge research, and tangible benefits for the community and the state economy. The emphasis on academic freedom and personal responsibility within these new roles empowers leaders to drive initiatives that not only elevate the university but also positively impact society at large.
UMass Amherst’s continuous efforts to attract and appoint distinguished leaders demonstrate a proactive approach to fostering institutional growth and public service. These strategic appointments in government affairs, online education, and global policy are set to enrich the university’s academic offerings and strengthen its contributions to the Commonwealth. We encourage readers to explore the diverse programs at UMass Amherst, learn about upcoming campus events, and stay informed about the ongoing advancements within Boston’s vibrant college community and Massachusetts higher education.
Keywords: University of Massachusetts, Boston MA college news, Massachusetts higher education, UMass Amherst research, UMA leadership
Key Leadership Appointments at UMass Amherst (2025-2026)
| Individual | Role | Effective Date | Key Responsibilities/Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natalie M. Blais | Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations | January 20, 2026 | Oversees state and federal policy and funding initiatives; primary liaison to government officials; advances UMass Amherst’s mission as an economic driver. |
| Elizabeth Chen | Inaugural Program Director, Online Master of Health Administration (MHA) Program | June 30, 2025 | Leads new online MHA program for working professionals; designs curriculum for senior healthcare administration roles. |
| The Honorable Claire Cronin | Scholar in Residence for Public Policy and Global Affairs | July 8, 2025 | Supports global education, partnerships, and international student services at Mount Ida Campus; brings experience as former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. |
| Chris Dunn | Executive Director of the UMass Building Authority | (Transitioned from Assoc. VC for Gov. Relations) | Oversees UMass Building Authority; previously managed state and federal government relations for UMass Amherst. |
Frequently Asked Questions About UMass Amherst Leadership Appointments
- What is Natalie M. Blais’s new role at UMass Amherst?
- Natalie M. Blais has been appointed as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations at UMass Amherst.
- When does Natalie M. Blais officially start her new position?
- Natalie M. Blais officially starts her new position as Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations on January 20, 2026.
- Who did Natalie M. Blais succeed in the Government Relations role?
- Natalie M. Blais succeeded Chris Dunn as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations.
- What is Chris Dunn’s current role at UMass Amherst?
- Chris Dunn is currently the Executive Director of the UMass Building Authority.
- Who is Elizabeth Chen?
- Elizabeth Chen has been appointed as the inaugural program director for the new online Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree program at UMass Amherst.
- When was Elizabeth Chen’s appointment announced?
- Elizabeth Chen’s appointment was announced on June 27, 2025, with her joining the faculty on June 30, 2025.
- What is the significance of the new online MHA program?
- The new online MHA program is a part-time program designed for working professionals to advance their careers in healthcare delivery and related industries, with its first cohort expected in Fall 2025.
- Who is The Honorable Claire Cronin?
- The Honorable Claire Cronin, former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, has been appointed as a Scholar in Residence for Public Policy and Global Affairs at UMass Amherst.
- Where will Claire Cronin be based?
- Claire Cronin will be based at the UMass Amherst Mount Ida Campus in Newton, Massachusetts.
- What are Claire Cronin’s responsibilities as Scholar in Residence?
- Claire Cronin will support UMass Amherst initiatives in global education, global partnerships, international student and scholar services, and professional development programs at the Mount Ida Campus.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Massachusetts Leadership Transitions Drive Economic Momentum
Boston College Hires Kurt Anderson as Offensive Line Coach
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
