Vice President for Government and Community Relations Michael DiRaimo announced Tuesday that he will step down from the position, effective September 15.

DiRaimo has led lobbying on Penn State’s behalf since 2012, though he has worked with the university since 2001. His position allows him to represent Penn State on a governmental level in State College, Centre County, Harrisburg, and even Washington, D.C. He also advises President Eric Barron and other university officials on governmental matters.

His specific responsibilities also include keeping legislators informed of Penn State initiatives and lobbying for the university on state budget issues, especially important during last year’s budget impasse.

“Mike’s vast experience as a lobbyist and as a champion for Penn State has served the University well. His ability to keep our legislature and governor informed and to track hundreds of issues that could impact the University, while communicating our greatest needs and always telling Penn State’s story as a worldwide leader in higher education, are just a few of his many attributes,” Barron said in a press release. “I’m thankful that we have had a person like Mike as the face of Penn State in Government Relations. He was always able to get the job done, and his lasting influence on Penn State will be evident as we move ahead. His leadership and experience will be sorely missed, but I wish him the best in whatever his future holds.”

DiRaimo will continue to advise special projects for the university through the end of the year, including the Military Appreciation Week initiative.

“I have been honored to serve Penn State and its great leaders of the past 15 years,” DiRaimo said in a press release. “Whenever I have introduced myself, saying ‘I’m Michael DiRaimo,’ it usually doesn’t generate much reaction, until I add, ‘from Penn State.’ Then, people’s eyes light up. Nothing feels better than when I see that reaction to those last three words. To be able to say that I represent Penn State, in the highest political circles, has been the crowning professional achievement of my life.”