He revolutionized Harvard's lobbying strategy,forming coalitions with other schools to furtherthe interests of higher education.

Now, however, Rowe emphasizes the importance ofthe need to look closer to home. He says communityrelations will be a "big part of the next fewyears."

"Paul will do far better than I was able todo," Rowe says. "He's coming in at just the righttime when we have to be thinking about the future"of planning in Cambridge.

While Washington may indeed consume less ofHarvard's time next year, lobbyists andadministrators warn against predicting the future.

"We may have to go back on the Washington beatsooner rather than later," says President Neil L.Rudenstine. In the last few weeks, theadministration has become concerned that federalbudget cuts may lead to decreases in federalscience funding, Rudenstine adds.

According to Director of Federal Relations NanNixon, Harvard's Washington lobbyist, Congress isalso considering student aid cuts which could bedetrimental to Harvard.

But, with the impeachment hearings and smalleramounts of higher education legislation, Grogansays he expects this part of his job to take upless of his time.

"There's a hope that there's some stability onthe political front," Grogan says.

And, for the most part, Harvard's federallobbyists agree. They have met with their new bossto brief him on the major issues for the year.

"I think the way this job works is that youhave to go where the frets are at the moment,"says Kevin S. Casey, Harvard's state and federallobbyist.

Now, Casey says, the frets are local.

Grogan has the expertise to handle the newdemands.

Since 1986, Grogan has worked as president andCEO of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation(LISC), a non-profit organization that funds innercity and rural revitalization work in the U.S.

Before heading LISC, Grogan held a number ofsenior posts in the Boston city government, wherehe managed housing, social services, job trainingand neighborhood economic development programs. Hewas deputy director and later director of theNeighborhood Development and Employment Agency.

"He's pretty versed in Massachusetts politicsand players," Casey says.