About Us

The FIU Division of Strategic Communications, Government and External Affairs serves as the official liaison between the University community and all levels of government. The Government and Community Affairs team advocates for FIU’s legislative priorities, secures public funding, and strengthens relationships with government officials. The office is committed to promoting the University’s mission to enhance student success and research excellence.  

Florida International University is an Carnegie R1 public research university. We are committed to high-quality teaching, state-of-the-art research and creative activity, and collaborative engagement with our local and global communities.

Office Locations

  • Miami

    Modesto A. Maidique Campus
    11200 SW 8th Street - PC 519B
    Miami, 33199

  • Tallahassee

  • FIU in Washington, D.C.

    601 New Jersey Avenue NW, 1st Floor
    Washington, D.C. 20001

Our Team

  • Michelle L. Palacio

    Michelle L. Palacio
    Senior Vice President for Strategic Communications, Government and External Affairs
     palaciom@fiu.edu

  • Kerry Ball

    Kerry Ball
    Senior Administrative Assistant
     ballk@fiu.edu

  • Carlos A. Becerra

    Carlos A. Becerra
    Associate Vice President, Government and Community Affairs
     cabecerr@fiu.edu

  • Chris Cantens

    Chris Cantens
    Associate Vice President, Government and Community Affairs
     ccantens@fiu.edu

  • Karla M. Fortuny

    Karla M. Fortuny
    Director of Local Government and Community Affairs
     kfortuny@fiu.edu

  • Ana Hererra

    Ana Hererra
    Special Assistant to Senior Vice President
     herra@fiu.edu

  • Anthony Rionda

    Anthony Rionda
    Associate Vice President, Strategic Communications, Government and External Affairs
     arionda@fiu.edu

  • Lynne Shaw

    Lynne Shaw
    Associate Vice President, Government and Community Affairs
     cshaw@fiu.edu

  • Liane Sippin

    Liane Sippin
    Program Director, Strategic Communications, Government and External Affairs
     lsippin@fiu.edu

  • Katherine Nykolaiszyn

    Katherine Nykolaiszyn
    Student Assistant, Strategic Communications, Government and External Affairs
     knykolai@fiu.edu