Colleen O’Neill named vice president for finance and treasurer
O’Neill has served as the chief operating and financial officer of the Wharton School since July 2023 and will assume the role of vice president effective April 13.
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Colleen O’Neill will will serve as the primary steward of the University’s financial assets as vice president for finance and treasurer.
Colleen O’Neill has been named vice president for finance and treasurer of the University of Pennsylvania, effective April 13. The appointment was announced on Feb. 26 by Executive Vice President Mark Dingfield, following a national search that attracted a highly competitive pool of candidates from a variety of backgrounds.
“Colleen brings a unique blend of strategic vision, analytical rigor, and operational expertise, as well as an ability to build trusted, collaborative partnerships,” said Dingfield. “Just as important, she has deep respect for Penn’s academic mission and for the people who carry it forward every day. Her demonstrated financial judgment and steady, forward-thinking leadership will help us steward resources responsibly and sustain our capacity to advance Penn’s priorities and ambitions.”
As vice president for finance and treasurer, O’Neill will serve as the primary steward of the University’s financial assets and lead key financial functions across Penn. She will also partner closely with Penn Medicine leadership in the management of its finances. O’Neill will have executive oversight of a broad portfolio of units critical to the effective stewardship of Penn’s financial resources, including:
The Comptroller’s Office
Finance and Treasury
Financial Systems and Training
Global Support Services
Procurement Services
The Office of Research Services
The Office of Risk Management and Insurance
Student Registration and Financial Services
O’Neill has served as chief operating and financial officer of the Wharton School since July 2023. In this capacity, she has led financial operations, strategic financial planning, facilities and operations, capital projects, information technology, human resources, and Wharton Research Data Services. Through careful expense management and revenue optimization, she facilitated the largest operating margin in Wharton’s history, enabling transformational investments in capital projects and strategic priorities.
Beyond strengthening Wharton’s financial position, O’Neill has driven major operational and strategic initiatives. She orchestrated the upcoming relocation of Wharton’s San Francisco operations to The Cube in the city’s Financial District, doubling the School’s footprint and upgrading its facilities to maximize engagement with both Wharton and local communities. She also oversaw core investments in Wharton’s technical systems and capabilities that enabled the launch of the Global WEMBA cohort, Wharton’s first hybrid degree program.
Earlier in her tenure, O’Neill held several leadership roles at Wharton, including executive director of Wharton Customer Analytics and director of the Wharton Global Consulting Practicum.
Commending O’Neill on her appointment, Wharton Dean Erika James said, “Colleen has been an invaluable strategic partner on all financial matters, deftly managing the School’s resources to enable us to make generational investments in faculty, students, and facilities that drive innovation and excellence. It should come as no surprise to see a talented Wharton graduate guiding the fiscal priorities of one of the world’s most complex and influential institutions. I’m pleased to see her myriad skills and long-standing dedication recognized by her promotion into this important role.”
“Philadelphia and Penn have shaped me in lasting ways, both professionally and personally. I’m deeply grateful to be part of this community and honored to step into a role with even greater responsibility in advancing our mission,” said O’Neill.
O’Neill holds an M.B.A. from Wharton’s Executive M.B.A. program, as well as an M.P.A., M.S.Ed., and a B.A. in history, all from Penn.
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