Massanelli Announces Retirement; Haley to Lead Governmental Relations Starting July 1

After a lifetime of public service, Randy Massanelli will be retiring this summer from his position as vice chancellor for governmental relations. Associate Vice Chancellor Rebeca Haley has been named his successor effective July 1, 2026.

Since 2014, Massanelli has coordinated University of Arkansas activities related to government organizations on a local, state and federal level, working with civic organizations as well as state and congressional delegations in Arkansas and Washington, D.C. The university has benefited from multimillions of dollars of federal research grants as well as increases in state appropriations during this time.

“Randy’s guidance has been instrumental to me and to the university’s success for many years due to his unique combination of wisdom, his vast experience at all levels of government, personal relationships and ability to see and assess issues from all perspectives,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “I’m extremely thankful for his many contributions to the university, which is just the latest chapter in a long career of serving Arkansas and the nation while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.” 

Before joining the university, Massanelli served as the state director for former U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor for more than 12 years after supporting Pryor’s election as campaign manager in 2001-2002. Prior to that, he served as director of operations for the Arkansas attorney general’s office.

A U of A graduate, Massanelli also served for 15 years in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of major and earning many honors including the Bronze Star for service in the Persian Gulf War, and numerous service and commendation medals.

“While he will be sorely missed, he has certainly earned his retirement and I’m very happy for him,” Robinson said. “If there’s a silver lining for the university, it’s that he has helped mentor his successor for many years, leaving us in great shape for the future.”

About Rebeca Haley

With more than 15 years of governmental relations and legislative experience, Haley has long advanced statewide initiatives in higher education, public policy, and economic development. Since 2024, in her role as associate vice chancellor for state relations, she has led the university’s strategy for government relations in Arkansas, advising leadership on the interpretation and implications of laws, regulations, and policy developments affecting university operations and priorities.

Haley was named director of state relations engagement in 2022, serving as a primary liaison to state, federal and local government agencies, while advancing the university’s legislative and policy priorities with governmental relations since 2017.

Rebeca Haley

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Rebeca for nearly a decade, on a more regular basis during the last five years or so in my roles as provost and then chancellor, and it’s been easy to see why she’s so valued and trusted by her colleagues, elected officials and other key stakeholders,” Robinson said. “She’s experienced, proactive, thorough and direct with her analysis and guidance which is exactly what the job requires.”

Prior to her time at the U of A, Haley supported the state legislature for seven years starting in 2011 with various roles with the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research including being elevated to senior legislative analyst for the committee staff services section in 2014. She staffed multiple legislative committees during this time while supporting committee chairs and task forces, reviewing and analyzing proposed legislation and policy issues, and reporting on her research to committees and public groups.

Haley will continue to directly lead state relations moving forward while overseeing all of the university’s Governmental Relations responsibilities after Massanelli’s retirement. A specialist who will focus on federal relations will be hired at a later date.

Currently pursuing a doctorate degree in higher education at the University of Arkansas, Haley previously earned a master’s degree in business administration from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, and a bachelor’s degree in business adminstration from Lyon College in Batesville.

In addition to coordinating activities related to government and community activities at the local, state and federal level, the Office for Governmental Relations will also continue to oversee the Arkansas World Trade Center, which fosters global trade with Arkansas. University Relations, which leads communications, marketing and brand strategy for the university, will return to reporting directly to the chancellor’s office effective July 1, 2026.