The University of Wisconsin announced Thursday that Chancellor Biddy Martin has chosen Becci Menghini as her new chief of staff.
Menghini will take over the position in March from Casey Nagy, who was appointed chief of staff by former Chancellor John Wiley.
“I’m a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, and I care very deeply about its direction,” Menghini said. “I’m excited to work with Chancellor Martin, and I think she has been very clear about the direction she wants to take with this university.”
Menghini described the position as a “jack-of-all-trades kind of job” that entails supporting Martin in leading the university.
She adding she is responsible for following up on commitments, coordinating meetings and ensuring different groups can communicate their messages to the chancellor.
She will also serve as a member of the chancellor’s cabinet and work as a communicator between internal and external aspects of the university.
Once Menghini takes office, some of the responsibilities previously appointed to the chief of staff will be delegated to the new vice chancellor for external relations, who is expected to be chosen in the coming weeks, according to Menghini.
“The chancellor is charged with ensuring the mission of the university is met and that is providing … opportunities for the students and state,” Menghini said. “My job is to serve at the will and wish of the chancellor.”
New responsibilities will also be added at Martin’s discretion, but they have yet to be determined.
In a statement, Martin said Menghini will bring good judgment and “a quick intelligence” to the campus community, adding her skills will help move campus goals and agendas forward.
“[Menghini] is a strategic thinker and a problem-solver,” Martin said in a statement. “She will be a valuable addition to our staff.”
Menghini is currently the senior development officer for the Morgridge Institute for Research, which will eventually be a part of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery. Previously, she worked closely with the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
A UW representative said Nagy did not wish to comment at this time.
