Kyle Kimball, vice president of government relations and community engagement at New York University, has been named Cornell’s vice president for university relations. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees voted Aug. 1 to approve his appointment, which begins Sept. 15.
In this role, Kimball will serve as the university’s spokesman and will coordinate Cornell’s internal and external communications, as well as its relationships with federal, state, Tompkins County and New York City governments.
“Kyle’s extensive experience working with city, state and federal government agencies, guiding university strategic responses, managing diverse groups of stakeholders and collaborating with community organizations will help Cornell advance its mission at a critical time,” said President Michael I. Kotlikoff. “Under his leadership, University Relations will continue to build on its incredible work promoting Cornell and stewarding its reputation.”
Kimball succeeds Joel M. Malina, who retired in January after 11 years as vice president for university relations. Kotlikoff thanked Monica Yant Kinney, who has served as interim vice president for university relations since Malina’s departure.
“Monica stewarded University Relations through a challenging period with exceptional skill and grace,” Kotlikoff said. “I am extremely grateful for her leadership, her guidance and her tireless dedication to Cornell.”
Since 2023, Kimball has led NYU’s government and community relations team, served as its chief strategist and adviser in coordinating with government entities and acted as its representative to community groups. During that time, he also co-led NYU’s university relations and public affairs division.
“I’m looking forward to joining both the Ithaca and Cornell communities, and I’m also excited about the amazing stories that can be told about Cornell’s global impact,” Kimball said. “Cornell has an incredible platform to advance the future of higher education in a challenging moment.”
Before joining NYU, Kimball was vice president for government relations, regional and community affairs at Con Edison, the energy company serving New York City and Westchester County. At the New York City Economic Development Corporation, where he worked from 2008-15, including as president from 2013-15, he was closely involved in the development of Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island in New York City. Kimball previously worked in investment banking at JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs. He is a member of the New York State Regional Economic Development Council as appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul.
At Cornell, Kimball will oversee the offices of Federal, State and Community relations as well as the Digital Experience, Media Relations, News, Strategic Communications, Visual Communications and New Media teams. He will also oversee Cornellians, in partnership with Alumni Affairs and Development; and the offices of the Assemblies and Visitor Relations.
Kimball has a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and a master’s in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School. In 2018, he completed the LGBTQ Executive Leadership Program at Stanford Business School. He currently lives in Brooklyn with his husband, Doug Hecklinger, and their 12-year-old daughter Isadora. Kimball said he and his family look forward to “the opportunity to grow new roots, invest in and contribute to the Ithaca community and region.”