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As chief of staff and associate vice president for executive affairs, Mary Ellen Solomon represents the president with key internal and external constituencies and manages various matters and special projects of institutional importance.

In addition to overseeing the administrative staff in the Office of the President, Solomon serves as the chair of the Uptown Task Force, a partnership of organizations, institutions, community groups, property owners, and public agencies focused on implementing the Uptown EcoInnovation District Plan to improve and enhance the Uptown neighborhood.

Solomon first joined Duquesne as director of government and community relations in 2013, during which she worked with many members of the campus community to build and enhance the University's connections with the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, as well as elected officials at state and federal levels and civic organizations. She also helped the University secure a $2 million state grant--the largest of its kind for the University at that time -for the campus Energy Center upgrade.

Prior to working at Duquesne, Solomon served as senior director and then assistant vice president of marketing and communications at Point Park University from 2008-2013. There, she created and implemented the University's first-ever comprehensive marketing campaign, including a complete redesign of the University's website.

Solomon has also held communications and marketing positions at the University of Pittsburgh; the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership; Carlow College; and various full-service marketing agencies.