Legislative bills, university funding and lobbying: Kristin Failor was named by the Board of Regents to take on these responsibilities for Iowa State.

Failor started her new position Tuesday after spending roughly six years serving as state policy director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). She will now have the responsibility of maintaining communication between Iowa State and the state government, a job previously held by Joe Murphy.

“I look forward to representing the students, faculty and wide range of departments and colleges at our state capitol,” Failor said. “I know I have large shoes to fill as Joe Murphy was well respected in this position, but I hope to further the great work he had done and continue to tout ISU as the premier university that it is.”

On top of acknowledging the honor that comes with having been chosen, Failor said she was impressed with the campus facilities, people and the “energy that exists on campus.”

“Kristin is well-known and respected at the capitol, and we’re fortunate she’ll apply her talent and experience to assist us,” President Steven Leath said in an Iowa State news release.

The state relations officer position opened up when Murphy was selected as senior vice president for government relations and public policy at the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

Failor is a University of Iowa alumna and received a law degree from Drake University. She is currently pursuing a master’s of health care administration from Des Moines University.

“Kristin brings valuable experience in government relations, policy development and law,” said Robert Donley, executive director of the board, according to the Iowa State news release. “The range of issues she has been involved with will be an asset to Iowa State.”

Failor is invested in numerous boards and committees. Included in this list are the Iowa Small Business Development Center’s advisory board, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry economic growth and tax subcommittees, the Iowa Waste Reduction advisory committee and the Iowa Workers Compensation appeals board.