Grace Hong Duffin has been named vice president of external and government affairs for Comcast’s Greater Chicago region.

The region spans Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan and Illinois.

 In her new role, Hong Duffin will lead the region’s government relations team and community impact team. Her responsibilities will include franchising activity, compliance, third-party relations and community investment initiatives. Hong Duffin will continue the company’s digital equity initiatives.  

Prior to joining Comcast, Hong Duffin served for six years as president and CEO of the Kenneth Young Center. The center provides mental health counseling, treatment and support in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. Hong Duffin spent three years as the organization’s chief operating officer. 

Hong Duffin brings government and public policy experience to her role at Comcast. She previously served as senior policy advisor and chief of staff for the Illinois Department of Human Services. Hong Duffin also worked as legislative counsel and senior policy advisor for the Illinois Governor’s Office. She began her career as a Cook County assistant state’s attorney. 

Hong Duffin earned her bachelor’s degree in human development and social policy from Northwestern University. She earned her master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University and her Juris Doctor from the Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Philadelphia-based Comcast is a global media and technology company. It provides high-speed internet, video, voice, mobile and home security services. The Greater Chicago Region has over 4,000 employees. Comcast was founded by Ralph Roberts in 1963 in Tupelo, MS.