Grogan brought his public sector experience to Harvard in 1999, serving as the University's voice on development projects and community issues.

"Part of the attraction of this particular job is that [University President] Neil Rudenstine gave me the assignment of deepening Harvard's constructive involvement in both our host cities, and to do that in a pretty dramatic fashion," Grogan said.

During his time at Harvard, Grogan has won widespread praise for improving the University's ties with the city of Boston, which had been strained in recent years because of the University's secret purchase of large amounts of land in Allston.

With his experience and connections within Boston-including a friendship with Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino-Grogan helped smooth relations with the city, while also helping the University secure 48 additional acres of land in Allston last June, paving the way for expansion into Boston for decades to come.

"Paul has brought a sense of real insight, energy and innovation to the important task of building Harvard's relationships with our neighboring communities," Rudenstine said in a release.

In addition to campus expansion projects, Grogan has served as the University's leader on community initiatives in areas such as affordable housing and education. He spearheaded the 20/20/2000 initiative last November, a program providing $20 million over 20 years to fund low-interest loans for affordable housing in both Boston and Cambridge.

His office also organized Harvard's $5 million investment in the Boston After School for All Partnership announced last month, a $23 million partnership with the city of Boston and several public and private companies to improve and expand afterschool opportunities in the city.