Casey Aultman Tanner

• School of International Affairs
• School of Modern Languages

• B.S. IAML 2013

Casey Aultman Tanner majored in International Affairs and Modern Languages (Spanish). She served on the Student Advisory Board for the Ivan Allen College and also worked in the special events office in the institute communications department. She participated in two IAC study abroad programs in South America – Dr. Bowman’s study abroad program in Argentina, and Dr. Galloway’s Spanish program in Peru. Casey completed two internships with the Georgia State Senate and an internship at the Carter Center in the Democracy Program. She also worked on a President’s Undergraduate Research Award with a faculty member in the School of Modern Languages. After graduating in 2013, she accepted a position in the Georgia Tech office of Government and Community Relations and recently completed a master’s degree in public administration at UGA. Two years ago, she accepted her current position at the University System of Georgia central office in government relations. Last year she married a fellow Nunn School alum (though they met after graduation!) and they live in midtown Atlanta with their new puppy!

What is your job title and description?

My current title is Executive Director of Government Relations for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. In this role, I serve as the USG liaison with state and federal government partners. I work with our elected officials and advocate on behalf of the 26 institutions in the USG (including Georgia Tech!) and provide support/counsel to our leadership and institutions. Our legislative priorities include state/federal funding and policy proposals.

How did Georgia Tech and/or the Nunn School help you get to where you are in your career? 

As an undergraduate in the Nunn School, I developed the ability to quickly problem solve, to look at the larger picture and individual issues, and to maintain flexibility to get the job done in a timely manner. Looking back on my courses, including Dr. Bowman’s study abroad program in South America, I developed a passion for public service that I know will last a lifetime.

What advice do you have for prospective or current students interested in pursuing your field of study? 

There are so many opportunities presented to you at Georgia Tech (it can almost seem intimidating!), and you’ll be in courses with peers that will push you to be better and do better. My advice is to take advantage of all you can while also developing your interests and passions in specific areas. I don’t know where I’d be without my experiences at Georgia Tech, many of which I never would have guessed would lead me to where I am today.

Is there any other project/activity/accomplishment you would like us to highlight about your career? 

During my time as state relations director at Georgia Tech, we worked over five years to advocate for more than $80M in state bond funding for the library renewal project on campus. Working on a large project like this from beginning to end and making the case for better facilities for our students was an incredibly rewarding experience.