Mission
The Government Relations' mission is to implement a comprehensive and proactive program of federal, state, and local government relations advocacy and action to support the university's vision, mission, and strategic goals.
This mission is intended to raise Embry-Riddle's pre-eminence in the aviation and aerospace industry, actively influence the national agenda, and increase the diversity and size of university revenues.
Objectives
The prime strategic objective for Government Relations, assisted by contracted lobbyists, is to develop and implement the legislative agenda for the university, which includes the federal agenda and the agendas for Florida, Arizona, and the Worldwide Campus.
The office employs the full weight and resources of the university by convincing and using university faculty and staff to participate in the legislative agenda.
The office also ensures that the university community is informed about key legislative issues so it can advise, react, participate, and support appropriate university action. A key element includes informing the university about appropriate government funding opportunities so that interested parties can take action.
Activities
To achieve the mission and strategic objectives as outlined above, the Office of Government Relations:
- Maintains a continuous dialogue with internal and external Embry-Riddle stakeholders to develop the legislative agenda and respond to legislative and agency activity.
- Directs the activities and manages the objectives of each of the lobbyists and consultants employed.
- Develops and maintains relationships with government officials and staff.
- Continuously seeks and responds to opportunities for elevating Embry-Riddle's presence and recognition as a state and national go-to resource for aviation and aerospace higher education and research.
- Continuously seeks and causes a response to appropriate opportunities for government revenue opportunities.
- Significantly impacts university revenues through the legislative process.
- Develops and exploits a university reputation as an honest broker evaluator.
- Encourages and exploits the development and implementation of university signature projects for the purpose of advancing the university's pre-eminence.
- Continuously seeks partnerships with and provides support to other university programs that can enhance the mission of the university.
Rodney Cruise
Rodney Cruise joined Embry-Riddle in March 2013. He provides leadership and direction for Information Technology, Human Resources, Institutional Efficiency, Corporate Relations, News and Media, Campus Safety, Facilities and Capital Planning at the university, supporting more than $800 million in construction projects on all campuses.
In addition to operational responsibilities, Rodney supports the strategic development of Embry-Riddle’s Research Park, working to attract companies — ranging from national and international aviation/aerospace groups, to technology businesses in all stages of development, helping to recruit them to Florida, and in particular, to our immediate community. He leads all government relations initiatives, working closely with state and national leaders in support of Embry-Riddle’s mission to expand research, increase entrepreneurship and create high-paying jobs.
Rodney currently serves as the Vice Chair of Starter Studio and Chair of Daytona State College’s Facilities and Capital Planning Committee. He is a member of the Executive Board of Directors of the Daytona Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce as well as the Daytona Beach Rotary Club. Currently, he is also a member of Congressman Michael Waltz’s Transportation Advisory Committee.
Before joining Embry-Riddle, Rodney served as Vice President of Business Development for Sodexo, where he held multiple leadership positions. His tenure at Sodexo included service on national and international teams focused on complex efficiency challenges as well as IT projects. He also acted as the National Chair for the Sodexo Organization of Latinos and supported an array of diversity initiatives.
Previously, he has served multiple years on the Executive Board of Directors of the Daytona Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he was appointed to the ISB Coalition. He also served as a member of the Beachside Redevelopment Committee for Volusia County, and as a a former Board Member for Hope Place. In addition, he served on the board of Halifax Habitat for Humanity and with many other local initiatives.
Rodney was recognized in 2011 as Outstanding Adult Volunteer of the Year by the United Way of Volusia and Flagler County. He was presented the Community Legacy Award in 2013 by the Community Foundation of Volusia and Flagler. He was recognized as Board Member of the Year and Volunteer of the Year during his service with Halifax Habitat for Humanity.