Wirthlin, who currently handles legislative and public affairs for the U. Health Sciences Center, will oversee campus-wide government outreach in the new cabinet-level role. The job expands Wirthlin's current position as the U.'s health sciences' legislative and public relations boss and extends her responsibilities for legislative relations to all areas of the campus.

The new position "shows that President Young is committed to strengthening the relations with state legislators and our federal delegation," Wirthlin said Thursday. The job wasn't open to other applicants because it resulted from the U. president "reorganizing work and responsibilities," she added.

Pending approval by the U. Board of Trustees, Wirthlin will report directly to Young. Nancy Lyon, currently with the title assistant vice president for government relations, will report to Wirthlin - who will have offices at both the Park Building and the Health Sciences Center.

Wirthlin is the niece of Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She holds a master's in public administration from the U. and joined the U. staff in 1996, serving as liaison to the Utah Legislature and congressional delegation.

- Shinika A. Sykes