Joel M. Malina, Cornell University’s longtime vice president for university relations, will step down from his role on Jan. 5 after an 11-year tenure. Malina, who has been a key figure in shaping Cornell’s communications and government relations strategies, will join the Brunswick Group in Washington, D.C., as a partner in February.
During his tenure, Malina navigated Cornell through leadership changes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the launch of major academic initiatives. He also led negotiations on historic agreements with local governments and transit systems and spearheaded a “One Cornell” communications model, unifying efforts across the university’s colleges and units.
“Joel Malina has served as a trusted adviser across Cornell administrations for the past 11 years,” said Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff. “He has worked tirelessly to advance the university’s mission and built a strong communications and government affairs team.”
Malina’s time at Cornell included pivotal moments, such as coordinating responses to the pandemic and facilitating dialogue around contentious issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict. He also played a vital role in launching the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, and the Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science.
Reflecting on his time at Cornell, Malina expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the university’s mission. “I’m immensely proud of all that my team and I, and all of Cornell’s leaders, have accomplished,” he said.
Malina’s successor will be selected through a national search, with Monica Yant Kinney, associate vice president for communications, serving as interim vice president starting Jan. 6.
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