Obama taps former Penn President Rodin for advisory board

Former Penn President Judith Rodin has been appointed to serve on President Barack Obama’s newly created Council for Community Solutions, according to a press release from the White House on Monday.

According to the release, the Council “will provide advice to the President on the best ways to mobilize citizens, nonprofits, businesses and government to work more effectively together to solve specific community needs.”

Rodin served as Penn’s president from 1994 through 2004, becoming the first woman ever to assume the presidency at an Ivy League institution. She also served as the Provost of Yale University for two years.

"Judith Rodin is an inspired choice for the White House Council for Community Solutions," Penn President Amy Gutmann wrote in a statement. "As Penn's president, she spurred development in West Philadelphia and created a model of university-community engagement."

"She has continued to serve as a powerful voice for urban renewal and I am delighted that she will be sharing her experience and expertise on the Council for the public's benefit," Gutmann added.

As a Council appointee, Rodin joins musician Jon Bon Bovi, Tulane University President Scott Cowen, eBay CEO John Donahue and Gap, Inc. Chief Foundation Officer Bobbi Slilton, among other members. Penn alumna Laurene Powell Jobs — currently married to Apple CEO Steve Jobs — will also serve on the Council.

Obama said the Council members "have dedicated their lives and careers to civic engagement and social innovation. I commend them for their outstanding contributions to their communities and am confident that they will serve the American people well in their new roles on the White House Council for Community Solutions,” according to the press release.

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