KU federal lobbyist recognized by national association

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas’ federal lobbyist has been named among the industry’s top lobbyists by a national association.

Jack Cline, associate vice chancellor for federal relations, is among just 100 individuals to receive 2021 Top Lobbyist distinction from the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics, a national organization representing lobbying, public policy and government affairs professionals.

This year’s honorees comprise lobbyists, PAC managers and grassroots professionals working for associations, small firms, large firms and corporations. In its announcement, NILE wrote that designees were chosen because they showed significant 2021 success, took an innovative approach to their field and demonstrated commitment to give back to their community and profession while adhering to the highest ethical standards.

Cline has served as KU’s federal lobbyist since January 2012. In this role, he has served as chairman of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Council on Governmental Affairs, and as a member of the APLU board of directors in 2014 and 2016. From 2014 to 2016, Cline was also a member of the Association of American Universities Council on Federal Relations Steering Committee. In 2016, Cline was the president of The Science Coalition, which comprises more than 50 of the nation’s largest research universities dedicated to sustaining the federal government’s investment in basic scientific research. From 2018 to 2020, he served on the Association of American Cancer Institutes’ Government Relations Forum Steering Committee.

In November 2020, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities presented Cline with the Jennifer Poulakidas Achievement Award for outstanding, specific contributions to, and achievements in, university governmental relations. In December 2020, Cline was recognized a “2020 Top Lobbyist” by The Hill newspaper.