Wendy Grubbs ’83

Distinguished Alumna Award

After a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in legal, government and corporate positions, including serving as special assistant to the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, and as managing director of Citigroup, Wendy Grubbs currently serves as an independent consultant.

Wendy received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and completed a law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. She spent time as a law clerk, adjunct professor and practiced law in the private sector before starting her longtime career in Washington, D.C. and New York. Wendy is a member of the bar associations in Florida, North Carolina, the District of Columbia and New York.

In the aftermath of 911, Wendy was hired by the White House to work with Tom Ridge, the new assistant to the president for the Office of Homeland Security. She served as Ridge’s key contact with Capitol Hill and had responsibility to get legislation creating the Department of Homeland Security passed by the United States Senate. Prior to that, Wendy served as deputy chief of staff to Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao and counsel to Senate Republican Conference chairman Connie Mack.

As managing director of Citigroup, Wendy integrated and coordinated Global Government Affairs and the investment bank. She also served on the investment bank Management Committee and spoke to large client audiences and key bank constituents about the impact of Washington on markets.

Wendy is the founder of the Wendy B. Ranch Rescue Foundation, which promotes the adoption of senior dogs, and the spaying and neutering of all pets. Her rescue advocates for senior dogs and aims to change people’s attitudes about adopting one. Wendy adopted her first dog, Lulu, from the SPCA when she was in kindergarten and Lulu lived until Wendy’s sophomore year at UNC Charlotte.