Top Baucus aide joins UM

Jim Foley, a prominent aide to U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, has been named the next executive vice president and executive assistant to the president at The University of Montana. He was appointed to the post by UM President George Dennison.

“As many will recall, Jim served for a few years with the UM Foundation and then briefly as director of government relations during the 1990s,” Dennison said. “Jim knows the University and Montana very well, and he brings to his assignment a wealth of experience and connections that will help the University immensely. I cannot imagine anyone better prepared to step in and make a difference immediately — precisely what we need.”

Foley has been Montana chief of staff for Baucus since 2000. For three years prior to that he was the UM Foundation’s director of corporate and foundation relations. During 1983-1996 he worked for U.S. Rep. Pat Williams as a legal assistant and then staff director. He also worked for the Montana Governor’s Office and state Department of Labor and Industry from 1977 to 1983.
A Helena native, Foley earned an undergraduate degree in government from St. John’s University in Minnesota.

“It was a difficult decision to leave Sen. Baucus’ office because Max is a very good friend,” Foley said. “My wife, Julie, and I love the Missoula community, this campus and this state. I want to add value not only to UM but also the entire higher education system of Montana.

“Montana’s colleges are our greatest tools for economic development,” he said, “and I am ready to help push The University of Montana forward. I am looking forward to and welcome the challenge.”

In his new role Foley will oversee UM marketing and public relations efforts, including UM’s highly successful logo and product-licensing program. He also will direct the President’s Advisory Council, promote communications among all UM campuses and perform specific duties assigned by the president. Foley will start his new duties in August.

Foley replaces Bob Frazier, who accepted a position as vice president for external affairs at Western Washington University in Bellingham after 15 years at UM.

John Mercer, chair of the Montana Board of Regents, said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for the University to gain Jim’s knowledge and experience. He will fit in very well with the university system’s efforts to play a greater role in the success of Montana.”