David A. Bunis '83 starts today as the University's chief of staff, according to Jan. 25 campuswide e-mail from University President Frederick Lawrence.In a phone interview with the Justice, Senior Vice President of Communication and External Affairs Andrew Gully said that, to his knowledge, no one has formally served under the title Chief of Staff in the University's history, although administrators such as Executive Assistant to the President and Assistant Secretary of the Corporation John Hose serve similar positions.

Gully said that the responsibilities of the chief of staff position will generally be "coordinating and managing the president's agenda."

When asked how the position would differ from other executive administrative positions, Gully said he could not specifically comment on Bunis' role without information from Lawrence or Bunis himself.

Lawrence could not be reached for comment by press time.

In an e-mail to the Justice, Bunis declined to give an interview but said that he was very "excited to be back at Brandeis" and looking forward to be working with Lawrence.

"Fred and I have worked together in the past and I know the energy and enthusiasm that he will bring to Brandeis," wrote Bunis.

"I feel very lucky to be working with him and the terrific staff and students that make Brandeis so special."

According to Lawrence's campuswide e-mail, Lawrence and Bunis previously worked together for the Civil Rights Committee of the Anti-Defamation League.

Bunis also served as an ADL National Commissioner.

Currently, Bunis volunteers as a judge of administrative appeals for the Massachusetts Office of Minority and Women's Business Affairs.

In an additional Jan. 31 e-mail to the Justice, Bunis said, "As an alum, I am especially excited about meeting students and learning your perspective about what makes Brandeis tick in 2011."

Bunis graduated from the Boston University School of Law in 1987 and was a partner at Dwyer & Collora, LLP., which is a Boston law firm that deals with issues such as business litigation, healthcare advocacy, appeals, administrative advocacy and employment matters, according to the firm's website.

In addition, Bunis has served as an attorney dealing with housing matters, such as eviction, at Greater Boston Legal Services.

In 2006, Bunis was named one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly's Lawyers of the Year.

Bunis also co-founded the Jewish Repertory Theatre with Saul Elkin and received one of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies' 2010 Community Leadership Awards.

Additionally, Bunis is the vice president and a member of the board of directors of Temple Emanuel of Newton, Mass.