VCU names two vice presidents

Matthew A. Conrad and Karah L. Gunther will become vice presidents starting May 1 at Virginia Commonwealth University and the VCU Health System, the university announced Wednesday.

Conrad has been named vice president for government and external relations for VCU and VCU Health System, a promotion from his previous position as executive director of government and board relations. Gunther has been named vice president of external affairs and health policy for the health system, VCU’s health sciences schools and college- and health-related research centers. She was previously executive director of government relations and health policy.

Before joining VCU in 2013, Conrad served as deputy chief of staff and deputy counselor to Gov. Bob McDonnell and also was deputy secretary of agriculture and forestry. He holds degrees from James Madison University and the former George Mason University School of Law (now Antonin Scalia Law School), and Conrad also served in the Virginia attorney general’s office and as a special assistant to the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Gunther joined VCU in 2011 as senior health policy analyst for the university’s Office of Health Innovation, and previously served as director of Bon Secours Richmond Health System’s coordination of care department. Gunther, who has degrees from the University of Virginia, VCU and the Washington & Lee University School of Law, also was a health care attorney at Hancock, Daniel, Johnson & Nagle PC.