Jack Kleinan experienced higher education lobbyist based in Washington, has been named vice president for federal relations at Northeastern University.
Cline joins Northeastern from the University of Kansas, where he spent more than a decade championing the university's interests on Capitol Hill as Associate Vice President for Federal Relations. It was called “top lobbyist” by the National Institute on Lobbying & Ethics, among other organizations. He will bring that experience to Northeastern beginning May 2.
“Top-tier research universities need a sophisticated and strategic approach to federal relations,” said Michael Armini, Northeastern's Senior Vice President of External Affairs. “With the hiring of Jack Cline we are adding the kind of talent that will take us to the next level—in Washington, DC and across the country. We are thrilled to welcome Jack — and his vast experience — to the university.”
In his new role, Cline will work directly with members of Congress, the White House and other higher education advocacy groups to advance Northeastern's interests in all aspects of its teaching and research. This includes working with university leaders to lobby for research funding, influence public policy and increase Northeastern's visibility among government agencies.
Cline's professional background spans positions in higher education as well as government. Prior to his appointment at the University of Kansas, he was Assistant Vice President for Federal Relations for the UMass system.
Cline says he looks forward to making sure “that Northeastern University's priorities are realized in Washington.”
Cline graduated from Harvard University in 1999 with funding as a third-generation GI Bill student after serving in the US Marine Corps. He served in the administration of then Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney as executive director of gubernatorial appointments and personnel. Prior to this role, Cline was an executive in the administrations of Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci and Governor Jane Swift.
Cline says his work as a lobbyist brings together two key issues that have personal relevance to his own life experiences: supporting research and strengthening student financial aid programs.
“When I'm on Capitol Hill, I see these two priorities as my main pillars,” says Cline.
His passion for research—which he says spans the sciences to the humanities—is born out of personal tragedy. While working for then-Governor Romney of Massachusetts, his daughter Chloe became ill with cancer. He died in November 2006.
“She changed the direction of my life,” Cline says, adding that he “wanted to do something different to honor her and help others along the way.”
“It opened my eyes to the importance of increased funding for research and the importance of funding research organizations so that critical work can be done to bring solutions to market,” says Cline.
The tragedy also propelled Cline into leadership roles at several scientific and research organizations, including the Association of American Cancer Institutes and the The Scientific Coalitiona nonprofit organization including leading public and private research universities that promotes continued federal investment in “basic scientific research,” where he was past president.
As a former Marine who was able to pursue a degree in history using federal GI Bill benefits, Cline says he hopes to continue pushing to strengthen student financial aid programs such as post-9/11 GE bill.
“These programs are put in place to educate our citizens, strengthen our workforce and ultimately our economy and our country,” Cline says.
As Northeastern's presence expands across the US, the university's stakeholders and interests increasingly span both coasts. That means Cline's role will include attending congressional delegations from Maine to North Carolina and California.
For media inquiriescontact media@northeastern.edu.
