Erin Sexton joins University of Minnesota as vice president for government and community relations

Erin Sexton, a long-time Minnesota public affairs executive, has been named the University of Minnesota’s vice president for government and community relations. Pending Board of Regents approval on December 11, Sexton’s appointment will begin January 5, 2026.

“With more than 25 years of experience in government relations, public affairs and community engagement, Erin brings a depth of expertise that will help advance the University’s public mission,” said President Rebecca Cunningham. “Our impact on Minnesota and its communities is both far-reaching and multifaceted, and Erin’s ability to translate that complexity into effective advocacy will be essential. Her proven success in legislative strategy and stakeholder engagement will be critical to elevating our voice and strengthening the partnerships that support our work.”

As vice president for government and community relations, Sexton will serve as the University of Minnesota’s chief legislative strategist and lead advocate at the federal, state and local levels. Reporting directly to the President, Sexton will guide a coordinated approach to advancing the University’s mission and priorities with elected officials, policymakers, and community and campus partners across the state.

Her team’s work includes reinforcing the distinct value of the University’s five campuses and other locations statewide by highlighting the institution’s mission-oriented service as a public university, and its positive economic and research impact to the state and country as one of America’s leading research universities.

"I believe deeply in the University of Minnesota's land-grant mission and the transformative impact it has on education, research and communities of all sizes across Minnesota," Sexton said. "It's my honor to help advance that mission by representing the University at every level of government and strengthening the relationships that make its vital work possible."

Prior to joining the University, Sexton held several senior leadership roles at Mayo Clinic, most recently as senior director of external relations. She brings a wealth of experience on complex, high-profile initiatives that required building bipartisan coalitions, navigating politically charged environments and securing outcomes. Her earlier roles include government affairs and policy positions at Medtronic, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Medical Association and Xcel Energy.