The new general counsel for Vanderbilt University will be Audrey J. Anderson, who arrives this month from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Anderson, deputy general counsel of the Department of Homeland Security, previously was a partner in the Washington, D.C., law firm Hogan and Hartson LLP.
“Vanderbilt is a very large and complex organization, and the responsibilities of the general counsel are critical to the university and its mission,” said Vanderbilt Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos. “I am pleased to welcome Audrey on behalf of the Vanderbilt community. The focus, expertise and level of excellence that she brings to this position will move the university forward in achieving its future promise and progress.”
The general counsel provides legal advice to all Vanderbilt departments in areas covering contracts, intellectual property, taxation, business matters, health care law and personnel issues. The general counsel also manages all litigation proceedings on behalf of Vanderbilt.
“For an institution as vast in scale and scope as Vanderbilt, we needed a leader with experience in contracts, employment law, health care, scientific research, risk management, intellectual property and compliance matters,” said Brett Sweet, vice chancellor for finance and chief financial officer, and chair of the search committee. “We were fortunate to have filled all of those requirements and more with Audrey.
“[rquote]She brings a wealth of experience gained from years of service in private practice, government service and teaching at a law school.”[/rquote]
Anderson, who begins work March 11, earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from Northwestern in 1985 and her law degree from the University of Michigan in 1990. She clerked for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1991 to 1992 and was an adjunct professor at Washington College of Law at American University from 2006 to 2007.
“I am deeply honored to have this opportunity to serve Vanderbilt and am excited to join the leadership team that is working on so many important initiatives,” Anderson said. “I look forward to leading the legal team to support the chancellor and vice chancellors and ultimately, the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the university as well as the doctors, staff and patients of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.”