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After working almost three years for Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, Ben Jarrard is putting his political experience to work for the University of North Georgia (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ).

The 2013 ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ graduate is the new director for state government relations for his alma mater. In this role, he will build and maintain relationships with state legislators and state agencies and help market ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ during the legislative session.

¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ President Bonita Jacobs believes Jarrard is the right person for this full-time role.

"Ben’s experience in state government, coupled with his role as an alumnus, will make him an incredibly valuable advocate for the University of North Georgia," she said.

Jarrard pointed out that the new position holds a special place in his heart since his grandparents and parents graduated for ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ as well.

"As an alumnus, it means a lot to me and my family to be in this role," Jarrard said. "I look forward to being the representative of the university that I attended."

Before joining ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ, Jarrard worked in Deal's office as the natural resources, transportation and economic development policy advisor. He also worked as a special assistant to the governor from January 2015 to May 2016.

Jarrard, who has a bachelor's degree in political science from ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ, assumed the role as director for state government relations on Aug. 14.