Vice President for Government Relations and Policy Development
Tim Powers leads the development and execution of NAICU’s public policy strategy and agenda, in coordination with NAICU’s board of trustees, institutional presidents, state associations, and secretariat members. NAICU’s broad public policy agenda covers issues critical to independent institutions of higher education, with a particular focus on federal regulations, student financial assistance programs, and tax policy.
A dedicated advocate for independent higher education, Tim brings a wealth of experience in government relations, policy development, and strategic advocacy to this critical role. His deep understanding of the sector, combined with his ability to build strong coalitions and effectively navigate complex policy and political landscapes, has established him a trusted voice among policymakers, institutional leaders, and higher education stakeholders.
Prior to serving as NAICU’s Vice President for Government Relations and Policy Development, he served as Director of Public Issues for the Consortium on Financing Higher Education (COFHE), developing data-driven tools to analyze college access, affordability, and quality, as well as supporting member institutions in navigating the complex policy environment. He previously served as Senior Director of Higher Education Policy & Advocacy for The College Board, and as both Director of Student Aid Policy and Director of Accountability & Regulatory Affairs at NAICU. He began his career on Capitol Hill, serving as the lead education policy staffer for a senior member of the House Education & Workforce Committee.
Powers earned a B.A. from Wake Forest University (NC) and an M.B.A. from Georgetown University (DC); he is completing a master’s degree in government at Johns Hopkins University (MD). He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Mary Baldwin University (VA) where he chaired the Governance & Trusteeship Committee, co-chaired of the Mary Baldwin 2030 strategic plan, and presently serves as Vice Chair of the Colleges & Mission Committee.