Kevin Washo, Charlie McLaughlin recognized by City & State PA as ‘Higher Education Trailblazers’

City & State PA has selected two of its top 100 Higher Education Trailblazers from the University of Pittsburgh: Kevin Washo (A&S ’04), senior vice chancellor for university relations and Chancellor Joan Gabel’s chief of staff, and Charlie McLaughlin, senior director of commonwealth relations.

The news organization profiled the honorees in its May 28 higher education magazine issue.

A key adviser on Chancellor Gabel’s senior leadership team, Washo saw his career path bring him to his alma mater in December 2015 as a member of Pitt’s Board of Trustees. He served on the board until November 2017, when he became the chancellor’s chief of staff. In 2022, Washo added the responsibilities of senior vice chancellor to his portfolio, including oversight of three units that fall under the umbrella of the Office of University Relations: the Office of University Communications and Marketing, Office of Engagement and Community Affairs and Office of Government Relations and Advocacy.

In this role, he leverages his strategic vision and strength in building networks to collaborate with colleagues across the University and with communities and constituencies in Pittsburgh and beyond to drive opportunity for the entire commonwealth. Under his leadership, University Relations has launched a brand campaign to elevate Pitt’s national and international reputation; secured the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ C. Peter Magrath Community Engagement Scholarship Award on behalf of Pitt, underscoring the University’s status as an anchor institution; and partnered with lawmakers to preserve the in-state tuition discount.

Washo is a member of the board of directors for the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Oakland Business Improvement District; he also served on the county executive’s transition team.

This isn’t Washo’s first time sparking City & State PA’s interest: The news organization recognized Washo in 2016 on its inaugural list of 40 Under 40 Rising Stars.

McLaughlin has more than 25 years of experience in higher education: first in student services at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels, then in government relations, where he applies the expertise that he gained from volunteering on numerous state, local and judicial campaigns. His career path led him in 2001 to Pitt, where he started as director of commonwealth relations, then eventually rose to his current role in the Office of Government Relations and Advocacy.

As senior director of commonwealth relations, McLaughlin represents Pitt in Harrisburg, fostering the relationship between the commonwealth and University. He also advocates for University funding, grants and any legislation affecting Pitt. In particular, McLaughlin plays a key role year after year in securing the state funding that supports the in-state tuition discount and makes a Pitt education accessible and affordable for Pennsylvania students and their families.