NIU’s Center for Governmental Studies has a new research associate in an organizational restructuring announced by NIU President John La Tourette.

John L. Lewis was the director of Corporate Relations, a post he has held since 1987.

Lewis’ new job consists of working with specific economic projects in the region. An example is a project in Belvidere, where NIU is contracted to help the city manage development action.

“I look forward to working with programs that carry forward the community service mission of the university by providing economic development assistance to organizations in northern Illinois,” Lewis said.

In the restructuring, Tom Montiegel, NIU vice president for Development and University Relations, will retain his position as primary spokesman for the school in economic development in the region and represent NIU in local organizations. Montiegel said he is the “eyes and ears” of NIU.

“The president can’t be everywhere,” he said. Montiegel goes out, sorts through and makes recommendations of which projects NIU should have the most interest in.

A new corporate relations director might be found this fall, depending on the hiring freeze at NIU. Montiegel said, “We will be looking for someone to expand and continue building corporate bridges that he (Lewis) so successfully helped build.”