J. Bonnie Newman, a former senior aide to both Presidents Bush and Reagan, was named the new executive dean of the Kennedy School of Government (KSG) Monday.

"We're very excited to have Bonnie Newman," said Jesus Mena, director of communications and public affairs at KSG. "Her credentials speak for themselves."

Newman has extensive administrative experience in business and academia in addition to her political background. Newman has served as interim dean of the Whittemore School of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire and is currently managing director of The CommerceGroup, a strategic communications consulting firm she founded.

"Bonnie Newman has a distinguished record in public service as an assistant secretary of commerce and White House administrator, as well as experience in academic administration," Dean of KSG Joseph P. Nye said in an e-mail message.

A self-described entrepreneur, Newman said her new job would allow her to be involved in her many interests.

"One of the wonderful things about this position will be the convergence of my government, higher education and business activities," she said.

As executive dean, Newman will serve as the senior administrator responsible for the day-to-day workings of the school, overseeing all administrative issues other than the faculty.

Nye makes the broader decisions at KSG, and it will be Newman's responsibility to make sure these decisions are carried out, Mena said.