Tom Harnisch is Vice President for Government Relations at the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO), where he leads the association’s federal relations, policy, communications, and advocacy work. Since joining SHEEO in 2020, he has helped state higher education leaders understand and respond to federal policy developments affecting their states, institutions, and students. He represents SHEEO’s priorities before Congress and the executive branch and works with national partners to advance higher education policy.

Prior to joining SHEEO, Dr. Harnisch held several roles at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), beginning in 2007, including Director of State Relations and Policy Analysis. His work included policy research and analysis, member communications, development of AASCU’s public policy agenda, and planning the Higher Education Government Relations Conference.

Dr. Harnisch has presented on higher education policy to audiences across the United States and internationally. His research and commentary on higher education finance, access, affordability, and other issues have been cited in more than 350 articles in publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Politico, Inside Higher Ed, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University and The George Washington University.

Dr. Harnisch earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota, and a doctorate from The George Washington University.