UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Frank T. Guadagnino, interim vice president and general counsel at Penn State, will be retiring at the end of this year, capping nearly a decade of distinguished and impactful service to the University and a 40-year career practicing corporate and higher education law.
Guadagnino first joined the Penn State community as a student and athlete, playing on the men’s volleyball team and earning his bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University in 1978. He attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and after an accomplished career at Reed Smith in Pittsburgh, returned to Penn State in 2014 to practice law in the Office of General Counsel as associate general counsel. Over the past decade, Guadagnino served the University initially as outside counsel and subsequently in a variety of critical roles, including as interim vice president and general counsel, vice president for administration, interim chief ethics and compliance officer, and secretary to the Penn State Board of Trustees.
“Frank has truly been a tireless and pivotal advocate for the University, with his perspective and counsel shaping Penn State at every level. His legal expertise, sound judgment and dedication to our mission have been invaluable,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “He has been instrumental in many key decisions and is a stalwart of the Penn State community who has provided critical leadership. His impact on the University is lasting.”
Tabitha Oman, Penn State’s previous chief ethics and compliance officer, has been appointed to the position of vice president and general counsel, effective Aug. 21. Guadagnino will remain in an advisory capacity through the end of the year.
In his time at the University, Guadagnino played a significant role in providing counsel on a multitude of legal matters and led numerous critical reforms to University governance, processes and policies, including during some of the most challenging periods in the University’s history. He helped organize and complete a comprehensive systematic review of all University policies and has served as a senior adviser to the president, the President’s Council, and the Board of Trustees.
“Retiring from the University is bittersweet as it has been an honor to serve my alma mater in a professional capacity,” Guadagnino said. “I am grateful to have worked alongside a group of dedicated professionals and colleagues and am proud of the work we have accomplished together. It has been especially rewarding to have served with Vice President and General Counsel Emeritus Steve Dunham, one of the foremost leaders in higher education law in America, who taught me much and was a fantastic colleague. I have every confidence that the Office of General Counsel will continue to provide impactful guidance and legal expertise to the University under Tabitha’s leadership.”
During his tenure at Penn State, Guadagnino provided counsel and steered the University on a wide range of matters — including real estate and commercial transactions, intercollegiate athletics matters, corporate governance, regulatory matters, risk management and compliance.
As head of the Office of General Counsel, Guadagnino oversaw a team of 24 lawyers and staff members who provide the highest quality legal services to the University to protect and promote its mission and values. Charged with anticipating, identifying and helping to resolve legal issues and serving as a resource for ethical decision-making, the office’s team of attorneys provide legal advice and representation to the Board of Trustees, the president, administration, and faculty and staff in their official capacities regarding matters affecting Penn State. In this role, Guadagnino also oversaw the Office of Ethics and Compliance.
In his previous role as vice president for administration, in which he served from 2018 to 2022, Guadagnino led the administration of the Office of the President as well as the development and implementation of policies and programs to broadly foster a culture of ethics and integrity.
Before coming to Penn State, Guadagnino had a 30-year law career at Reed Smith LLP in Pittsburgh. While in private practice, Guadagnino concentrated on corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, financing transactions, and general corporate matters. While at Reed Smith, he represented Penn State in a number of corporate matters as well as clients in the financial services industry, professional sports, restaurants and manufacturers. He also served as counsel to Reed Smith in connection with many of its expansion efforts.