The Office of Institute Relations is pleased to welcome Katie Hunter Mercer as associate director of federal relations. Mercer brings more than a decade of experience in federal policy and government affairs, with expertise in education, workforce, and health policy. Most recently, she served as senior manager of global public policy and government affairs at Walmart, where she advised senior leaders on federal legislative and regulatory developments and led advocacy efforts across a broad portfolio of enterprise priorities.

Mercer previously held senior public policy roles at the Society for Human Resource Management and spent ten years on Capitol Hill. Her experience navigating complex federal policy environments and advancing legislative priorities will directly support the Office of Institute Relations’ efforts to strengthen Georgia Tech’s federal engagement. Based on campus in Atlanta, Mercer will help advance the Institute’s research, education, and innovation priorities by enhancing strategic partnerships with Congress and federal agencies on behalf of Georgia Tech.

“I’m thrilled to have Katie join our Institute Relations team! She brings deep public and private sector experience from Washington and will be a valuable addition to the Georgia Tech community,” said Robert Knotts, executive director of federal relations. 

Please join the Office of Institute Relations in welcoming Katie!