Kratz to lead UNMC Government Relations

Jeff Kratz has been named UNMC’s director of government relations, effective May 13.

Kratz has served as legislative director for U.S. Rep. Don Bacon since 2017 and, since February, as his deputy chief of staff. He succeeds UNMC’s Mark Bowen, who retired earlier this year after serving as director of government relations for 16 years.

“We’re pleased to welcome Jeff Kratz to UNMC,” said Chris Kratochvil, MD, vice chancellor for external relations. “Jeff brings extensive experience and knowledge of legislative issues to the role, and his long-standing connections – at the state and federal level – will help UNMC further build on its academic, research and outreach missions.”

Kratz previously served as assistant director of congressional and governmental affairs at the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities; assistant director of the office of government relations for the American Library Association; staff assistant with the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; and legislative assistant for former Nebraska State Sen. Mark Quandahl.

“During my time working on Capitol Hill, it quickly became clear the University of Nebraska Medical Center is a global leader in health sciences and health education,” Kratz said. “I am excited for the opportunity to support UNMC’s ambitious projects and improve the health and well-being of all Nebraskans. It is wonderful to get back home and continue giving back to my home state.”

An Omaha native, Kratz earned his master’s degree from The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management and his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.