UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has launched a national search for its next vice president and general counsel. As the University’s chief legal officer, the vice president and general counsel oversees a wide portfolio that reflects the complexity of Penn State’s research enterprise, education and service activities, and athletics and healthcare operations — with more than 88,000 students and 35,000 full- and part-time employees across 24 campuses.
Frank Guadagnino, previously the vice president for administration, has served as interim vice president and general counsel since October 2022. Guadagnino plans to serve through the transition of the permanent appointment and will retire after nine years of service as a dedicated leader who has provided astute legal counsel and strategic guidance to the University.
Reporting directly to the president and the Board of Trustees, the new vice president and general counsel will serve as a senior adviser and member of the President’s Council and lead the Office of General Counsel, which oversees all legal affairs for the University. The office also supports the Board of Trustees, president, administration, and faculty and staff in their official capacities regarding matters affecting Penn State.
“We are seeking an accomplished senior legal executive to become the University’s next vice president and general counsel,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “As a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the law and issues impacting complex institutions like Penn State, our ideal candidate will uphold our commitment to student and employee success, inclusive excellence as a foundation of our academic and research missions, and service to communities throughout the commonwealth.”
The University is partnering with global organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry on the search. Shannon Harvey, director and secretary of the Office of the Board of Trustees, and Jennifer Wilkes, vice president for Human Resources, will co-chair the search with support from a search committee, including:
-
Kathy Bieschke, vice provost for faculty affairs
-
Holly Cline, associate general counsel
-
Shannon Harvey, director and secretary of the Office of the Board of Trustees
-
Judy Hlafcsak, interim general counsel and chief of staff at Penn State Health
-
Terra Ingram, administrative coordinator for the Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science (SAFES) Institute and chair of the University Staff Advisory Council
-
Pat Kraft, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics
-
Bill Rabb, director of risk management and chief risk officer
-
Clinton Schmidt, senior director for research security and conflict of interest
-
Michael Wade Smith, senior vice president and chief of staff
-
Michele Stine, teaching professor of biobehavioral health and chair of the University Faculty Senate
-
Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for Finance and Business/treasurer
-
Jennifer Wilkes, vice president for Human Resources
The mission of the Office of General Counsel is to provide the highest quality legal services to the University and to protect and promote the mission and values of Penn State, including integrity and ethical conduct and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
With locations at both University Park and the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine located in Hershey, the office’s team of attorneys develops University policies; interprets and upholds rules and guidelines concerning University activities affecting compliance with federal and state laws and regulations; oversees the retention of outside counsel when needed; and collaborates with a variety of offices across the University, including the Risk Management Office and Affirmative Action Office.
Among other responsibilities, the vice president and general counsel has oversight for the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer and the Office of Ethics and Compliance, which maintains the University’s comprehensive compliance program, including risk assessment, hotline and investigations management, and compliance-related training. The Office of General Counsel and the Office of Ethics and Compliance collaborate to support and drive improvements in compliance programs across the University.
Candidates should hold a juris doctor degree from a law school approved for accreditation by the American Bar Association, be a member in good standing of the bar of the state in which they practice, and have eligibility for such standing in Pennsylvania.
To inquire about the application and nomination process, contact Korn Ferry at PSU-VPGC@kornferry.com. Applications, including a curriculum vitae and letter of interest, are requested by May 24.