Eric Rizzo, senior vice president of government affairs, leads the University’s federal and state advocacy, legislative, and political programs.  His responsibilities include managing the University’s government affairs function and overseeing strategic public policy and public affairs development, and political engagement with elected officials, lawmakers, and stakeholders in support and alignment of operational objectives and strategic initiatives that advance University employees, students, and alumni interests.

Rizzo joined the University as senior vice president of government Affairs in November 2019.  He comes to the University with 25-years of legislative, public policy, political, and communications experience, including congressional legislative aide assignments on Capitol Hill, and private sector government affairs leadership positions with international and national financial services firms. 

Prior to joining the University, Rizzo led Mizuho Bank Ltd.’s government affairs group from December 2017 to November 2019.  Rizzo started his public policy political career in 1995 as a legislative aide for U.S. House Representatives Bill Zeliff (NH) and Pete Sessions (TX), followed by tenures representing national industry trades association.  Rizzo was then promoted to corporate executive and officer roles where he established and managed Washington, DC government affairs offices for Farmers Insurance Group and Fifth Third Bancorp.   

Rizzo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Business Communications from Bentley University.  He and his wife, Laura, and their three children reside in Warrenton, VA.