A Washington, D.C. economic development official will manage Georgetown University’s relations with both the federal and local governments and the D.C. community, the university announced Nov. 24.

Adrea Turner, currently the chief of staff for D.C.’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, will become Georgetown’s vice president for government relations and community engagement beginning Jan. 5, 2026. Turner will spearhead initiatives for public investment, community development and federal and local government partnerships.

Joseph Ferrara (GRD ’96), Georgetown’s senior vice president for strategic engagement and chief of staff, said Turner will help advance the university’s relationships with government partners.

“We extend our warmest welcome to Adrea as she joins the Georgetown community,” Ferrara said in a university press release. “Adrea has been a wonderful partner to work with from the mayor’s office, and we are excited for her to lead the team working to facilitate our engagement with the federal government and the city of Washington, DC, and its people.”

Turner helped lead the District’s efforts to revitalize Capital One Arena and redevelop Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. Before she began working for D.C. government in 2024, Turner served as chief of staff for the Urban Institute, a national think tank, and worked in local government in Baltimore.

Turner, who previously worked with Georgetown officials on D.C. projects, said the university’s Jesuit values inspired her to accept the position.

“What stood out to me is that Georgetown’s leadership genuinely lives the university’s mission,” Turner said in the university’s press release. “You see it in the way the institution partners with government and community leaders. That authenticity and commitment to values and service are what inspired me to join the university.”

“The university is such a strong civic leader and an integral part of Washington’s story,” Turner added. “I’m excited that my connection to the city will once again be at the heart of my work.”

Georgetown regularly works closely with federal and local government stakeholders, including on campus expansion plans, research partnerships and funding. Turner’s role will include attracting new investment, particularly as Georgetown expands its Capitol Campus in downtown D.C.

Turner said she looks forward to helping the Capitol Campus grow.

“It is remarkable to see Georgetown’s downtown expansion happening alongside the city’s effort to reimagine the area,” Turner said. “In the next decade, downtown will look and feel completely different. This moment is pivotal for both the city and the university and will shape the future of each.”