Craig Piercy has been named assistant vice president for federal affairs at Wayne State, effective Dec. 1.

He comes to WSU from the lobbying firm John Freshman Associates, where he was a senior government relations associate; while there he assisted the university in executing its federal affairs agenda.

"We are very pleased to welcome Craig Piercy to the Wayne State executive team," said Faye Nelson, WSU vice president for governmental and community affairs. "His leadership skills and experience in the federal legislative and regulatory process will add a great deal of expertise to the university."

Before his work at Freshman Associates, Piercy held several positions in the office of U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-Farmington Hills) from 1993-97,including chief of staff, legislative director and legislative assistant. Between 1990 and 1992 he worked as a research analyst for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

At WSU, Piercy will report to Nelson; his duties will include directing the university's federal affairs operations and overseeing the establishment of Wayne State's Washington, D.C., office.