Traevena Byrd, J.D.

Traevena Byrd, J.D., was named vice president and general counsel at George Washington University. She comes to her new role from American University in Washington, D.C., where she has been serving as vice president, general counsel, and board secretary. Her other experience in academia includes senior legal positions with Towson University in Maryland and Ithaca College in New York. Byrd has also served as director of the Commission on the State of African Americans for the State of Iowa.

"Traevena brings extensive experience with the district’s complex regulatory and political landscape and a deep commitment to higher education, with more than two decades leading and serving on the legal teams at AU, Towson University, and Ithaca College," says, Ellen M. Granberg, George Washington University president. "In each of these roles, Traevena demonstrated an ability to align legal strategy with broader institutional priorities, all while bringing a people-centered approach that fosters professionalism, mutual respect, and collaboration."

Byrd received both her bachelor’s degree in African American world studies and her juris doctorate from the University of Iowa.