Penn names new vice president to oversee compliance, risk management

Penn has named audit executive Timothy Susanin as the University’s next vice president for audit, compliance, and privacy, effective April 1.

The current Senior Vice President and Chief Audit, Compliance, and Risk Officer of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield in New Jersey, Susanin will lead Penn’s Office of Audit, Compliance, and Privacy and manage its collaboration with Penn Medicine. He succeeds Gregory Pellicano, who joined Penn in 2015, and will oversee risk management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

Susanin’s appointment was announced on March 10 by Penn’s Executive Vice President Mark Dingfield, along with Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the University of Pennsylvania Health System Julia Puchtler. The decision is currently pending approval from the Board of Trustees.

“I’m delighted that Tim Susanin will be joining Penn in this important role,” Dingfield wrote in the press release. “Our work is grounded in trust, integrity, and responsibility, and Tim brings a deep understanding of how to partner with leaders across a complex institution to manage risk effectively and support sound decision-making.”

Susanin has previously served as a partner at Gibbons Baker Hostetler LLP and as the senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary at WellCare Health Plans. He also worked as part of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps and as a federal prosecutor with the Department of Justice.

He received a law degree from Villanova University and attended Franklin & Marshall College for his undergraduate education.

Dingfield described Susanin as “a collaborative leader with a proven track record of building strong, trusted relationships,” pointing specifically to “qualities that will be important as he works closely with colleagues across the University and Penn Medicine.”

The OACP supports teaching, research, and service missions at Penn and Penn Medicine through audits, risk assessment, and policy guidance. The office also manages operational, strategic, and reputational risk to secure Penn’s systems of internal control and ensure accountability. 

“I’m pleased to welcome Tim to Penn,” Puchtler wrote in the press release. “His strategic insight and deep operational experience will strengthen our approach to risk management and reinforce our commitment to accountability across the institution.”

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