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J. Nathan Green

Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations

Nathan Green is vice chancellor for government and community relations at Vanderbilt äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾. He leads teams based in Nashville and Washington, D.C., overseeing the university’s advocacy efforts with all branches of government and guiding community initiatives and engagement.

Since his arrival at Vanderbilt, he has successfully advocated for the university on key policy topics, including student aid, the COVID-19 pandemic response, and tax and employment issues. He and his team work daily on a variety of issues that impact higher education, Vanderbilt and the community at large, ranging from fostering an ecosystem for research and discovery to providing access to education for all.

Green also plays a leading role in shaping Vanderbilt’s presence in the greater Nashville area and directing the university’s approach to community involvement and economic development. His team helps advance several of Vanderbilt’s major growth initiatives, including building Nashville’s innovation ecosystem, the university’s expansion in West Palm Beach, New York City and San Francisco, and the Institute for Quantum Innovation in Chattanooga, aligning government relations and community engagement efforts with the university’s long-term priorities.

Green was appointed vice chancellor in December 2018 after serving as interim vice chancellor for nearly two years. He joined the university in 2014 as assistant vice chancellor for state government relations, where he developed and directed state legislative and government strategies. While serving in the interim role, he managed legislative and regulatory work related to the legal separation of the university and Vanderbilt äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Medical Center and continued to serve as the medical center’s chief advocate until July 1, 2018.

Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Green was partner and owner of the government relations firm RobinsonGreen. With more than 35 years of experience in government relations, both within Vanderbilt and in the private sector, he has negotiated agreements on major issues before the Tennessee General Assembly, including legislation related to telecommunications, wine in grocery stores, K–12 school systems and workers’ compensation reform.

A Tennessee native and graduate of the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ of Memphis, Green began his career in local government. He and his wife, Lara, have three sons. Green serves on the boards of the Nashville Downtown Partnership, the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association. In 2023, he was appointed by Governor Bill Lee as a commissioner to the Education Commission of the States, a nonpartisan organization that facilitates collaboration to improve education policy.

About the Division of Government and Community Relations: The Division of Government and Community Relations is responsible for the university’s advocacy work with all branches of government and for fostering and supporting community engagement between campus and community partners. The GCR team sets institutional priorities in consultation with campus leaders, communicates Vanderbilt’s position to elected and appointed officials, and keeps campus informed of legislative or policy actions. Through strategic collaboration, the division supports community-based organizations and fosters meaningful engagement among students, staff, faculty and external partners.