Leigh Whitaker has been named Penn’s next vice president for government and community affairs, effective Oct. 1 and pending approval from the University Board of Trustees.
Whitaker previously served as Penn’s director of city relations from 2016 to 2023, during which she received legislative approval for over $2 billion in campus projects and oversaw the launch of the PennAssist pre-apprenticeship program. Her appointment comes after current Vice President for Government and Community Affairs Jeffrey Cooper announced his retirement in June.
Currently, Whitaker is a principal for the government relations wing of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, a Philadelphia law firm.
“Leigh is a trusted and principled leader who brings exceptional expertise, a commitment to service, and deep understanding of Penn’s missions, our city, the Commonwealth, and the legislative and political landscape,” Penn President Larry Jameson wrote in the announcement. “At this moment of significant complexity and opportunity for Penn and higher education, her return to the University is timely and energizing.”
Whitaker will assume her new role following a period of significant political turmoil for Penn. In February, $240 million of Penn’s funding from the National Institutes of Health was jeopardized after the NIH issued a directive capping “indirect costs” — which fund overhead expenses including laboratories and support staff — at 15%.
In March, the Trump administration froze an additional $175 million of Penn’s federal funding. The decision, according to the White House, was due to Penn’s “policies forcing women to compete with men in sports.” Penn reached an agreement with the federal government in July to restore that funding.
“It is a privilege to return to Penn and serve in this role at such a pivotal time,” Whitaker wrote in the announcement. “The importance of Penn’s contributions and its relationships at the local, state, and national levels cannot be overstated.”
“I look forward to working closely with our faculty, students, alumni, staff, and neighbors to further strengthen Penn’s civic impact and champion our University’s life-changing and life-saving work,” she continued.
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Whitaker also served on 2016 Fels Institute of Government graduate and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s transition team alongside then-Penn President Liz Magill.
“Our mission: crafting policies that turn promises into reality, making Philly the safest, cleanest, greenest city in the nation with economic opportunity for all!” Whitaker wrote in a LinkedIn post at the time. “The heavy lift begins, and we’re ready for it!”
Cooper’s departure was the latest in a string of departures among top Penn administrators. He previously described the current presidential administration as a “very challenging and changing environment” for Penn, citing several potential effects of Trump’s leadership, including threats to higher education, changes to tax policies, and altered immigration laws.
Cooper was appointed to his role by former Penn President Amy Gutmann in 2008.
