Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Fairfield, Connecticut, named Gary MacNamara executive director of community and government relations. He started his career at the Fairfield Police Department as a patrol officer in 1988 and became chief of police in 2010. He retired from his role as police chief and joined SHU in 2018. Since then, he has served as SHU’s executive director of public safety and government affairs, leading campus safety efforts while strengthening the university’s engagement with government partners.
In his new role, he will focus fully on expanding the relationships he forged for Sacred Heart and advancing SHU’s external engagement strategy.
“Gary has been a trusted leader in the community for many years and his ability to build strong relationships has already made a meaningful impact on the university,” said Michael Iannazzi, senior vice president for administration. “This transition allows him to fully focus on that work and continue to expand our government and community relationships in ways that support our mission and our region.”
He will serve as the university’s primary liaison to local, state and federal officials, as well as community organizations across the region. He will lead legislative advocacy, policy monitoring and public funding initiatives while continuing to build relationships with municipal leaders and nonprofit and faith-based organizations.
MacNamara will also advise university leadership on external relations strategy,
and support the university’s ongoing commitment to civic engagement and community impact.
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield campus. It also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs for its nearly 10,000 students.
