Young Leaders in Public Service with Neil Canfield, U-M Director of Federal Relations, Washington, DC

Ford School students are invited to join the Program in Practical Policy Engagement for a discussion with Neil Canfield, U-M Director of Federal Relations, Washington, DC. 

About our speaker

Neil Canfield recently joined the University of Michigan’s Office of Federal Relations, based in Washington, D.C., as the director of federal relations.  In this role, he informs and advises U-M teams on federal legislative, regulatory and research policy developments that affect university research operations. 

Prior to joining U-M, Canfield spent seven years as an adviser to the National Science Foundation director and other agency officials. He was detailed to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where he supported its director and the U.S. chief technology officer, while also representing the administration’s science and technology policy priorities to Congress.

He worked for U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland, who represents Michigan’s Second Congressional District, and also served as a professional staff member for the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Canfield is a native of west Michigan and received a bachelor’s degree in politics and public service from Denison University.

P3E's Young Leaders in Public Service series provides the opportunity for a small group of students to hear from and talk with elected officials and staff who will share their journeys, what led them to dedicating their lives to public service, and the skills that have helped them be successful.

• research policy
• Science and technology
• Young Leaders in Public Service