President Brad D. Smith today announced senior level university administrator, Charlotte Weber, director of RCBI and vice president of federal programs, has been promoted to vice president of government relations, effective Aug. 1. She will oversee federal, state and community government relations for the university.
The continued evolution of the university’s organization structure, which includes this announcement, allows for realignment of existing resources, and permits the university to expand areas of emphasis and focus.
“Charlotte brings more than 30 years of professional experience to this leadership post, and I am excited that she has agreed to take on this new role,” Smith said. “Her work in workforce, government relations, administration and economic development over the years speaks volumes for her passion for West Virginia. I am confident that she will continue to accomplish important things for our university.”
Weber said, “I sincerely thank President Smith for his confidence, and I am eager to work with him, General Counsel [Toney] Stroud, and the MU team to grow the university’s presence at all levels of government. At the same time, I am honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to lead the RCBI team for many years, and I look forward to seeing continued growth.”
“The promotion of Charlotte Weber to this position is great news in our effort to build our government relations team,” said Stroud. “Charlotte brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and I look forward to collaborating with her to assemble a team of both internal and external resources to increase our presence and voice at federal, state and local levels.”
Weber joined Marshall in 1993 after working in Washington, D.C. for U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd. With close to 30 years’ experience in higher education, government relations and economic development, Weber’s leadership has helped to expand the footprint and impact of Marshall University by helping to direct investment to the university and state. During her tenure, Weber became the first female director and CEO of RCBI and the first female vice president for federal programs. She has driven growth in advanced manufacturing, health care, cybersecurity and forensic science, as well as other strategic areas.
Weber is a graduate of the 1995 Leadership West Virginia program, was named a West Virginia Young Gun and then in 2020 was honored to be named a West Virginia Sharp Shooter. Weber was recognized by the Governor of the State of West Virginia and awarded the Governor’s Award for Leadership in Advanced Green Manufacturing. She serves on several statewide and regionwide boards, also serves nationally on the American Council on Education and the Association of Public Land Grant Universities, and is a member of the National and West Virginia Society of Colonial Dames. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from George Washington University in 1987.
RCBI Deputy Director Derek Scarbro will assume Weber’s duties at RCBI as the university launches a national search for a vice president of workforce and economic development.