University of Arizona President Eugene G. Sander today named Jaime P. Gutiérrez vice president for external relations.

Gutiérrez will replace Stephen MacCarthy, who will become the University of Pennsylvania's vice president for university communications. Gutiérrez will serve in the position until a permanent replacement is named.

“I am pleased that Jaime Gutiérrez has agreed to serve in this important role,” said Sander. “He brings an distinguished record of public service and leadership, and I am confident in his ability to help the UA successfully engage with the many stakeholders who care deeply about this institution.”

As associate vice president for community relations, Gutiérrez currently oversees neighborhood relations and outreach, local government relations, the UA Visitor Center, University Events and community outreach partnerships.

“As an alumnus of the UA and a Tucson native, I am excited about this unique opportunity to serve in this position,” said Gutiérrez. “External Relations is an extraordinary University unit, comprised of men and women with wonderful talents and expertise and I look forward to collaborating with them and telling the great stories about the University’s contributions to society.”

Previously, Gutiérrez served as special assistant to the president, providing support to the UA President’s Office in a variety of administrative functions, including legislative lobbying, liaising with higher education institutions in Mexico and community relations.

Gutiérrez served as an Arizona State Senator for 14 years and was elected to several leadership positions, including minority whip and assistant minority leader. He served on a number of legislative committees dealing with juvenile delinquency, state budget and revenue issues.

During his final two years in the Legislature, Gutiérrez served as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and the Senate Ethics Committee. Sen. Gutiérrez was named one of the top 10 legislators by his peers in a survey conducted by The Arizona Republic.

Gutierrez has served on a number of local and state committees, including member and president of the City of Tucson Industrial Development Authority, Board of Trustees of the Arizona State Retirement System and Board of Governors of the State Bar of Arizona.

Gutiérrez also worked at the Pima County Juvenile Court Center, starting as an entry-level juvenile probation officer and left as deputy director of court services.