Leigh N. Whitaker appointed vice president for government and community affairs

Leigh N. Whitaker has been named vice president for government and community affairs (OGCA) at the University of Pennsylvania, effective Oct. 1, 2025, pending approval by the University Board of Trustees.

Whitaker will return to Penn after serving as principal at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, where she launched and leads the firm’s Philadelphia Government Relations practice. A broadly respected and accomplished public affairs strategist with more than two decades of experience in government relations, communications, and civic affairs, Whitaker will oversee Penn’s engagement with city, state, and federal government officials as well as its partnerships with Philadelphia communities.

“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,” says Penn President J. Larry Jameson. “At this moment of significant complexity and opportunity for Penn and higher education, her return to the University is timely and energizing.”

Previously, as Penn’s director of city relations, Whitaker played a pivotal role in advancing the University’s academic, operational, and capital priorities in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia. She facilitated the successful launch of the PennAssist pre-apprenticeship program, helped secure legislative approvals for over $2 billion in campus development, and served as a key advisor to senior leadership on a broad range of municipal issues.

Whitaker’s career spans leadership roles in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Before her time at Penn, she was vice president of communications at Rivers Casino Philadelphia, where she guided the company through its launch and $165 million expansion, built partnerships with local communities, and led crisis and government relations strategy. Earlier, as deputy chief of staff for external affairs at the School District of Philadelphia, she led legislative efforts that secured more than $50 million annually in state and federal discretionary appropriations.

As vice president for government and community affairs, Whitaker will lead Penn’s OGCA, overseeing the University’s engagement with policymakers and civic leaders while championing initiatives that strengthen Penn’s partnerships across the city and region.

Whitaker earned her J.D. from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law and a B.A. in psychology from Clark Atlanta University. She is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania and a highly active civic leader, currently serving on several nonprofit and public boards, including the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, Mission First Housing Group, and the Committee of Seventy.

“It is a privilege to return to Penn and serve in this role at such a pivotal time,” says Whitaker. “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.”

Whitaker succeeds Jeffrey Cooper, who has served as Penn’s Vice President for Government and Community Affairs since 2008.

“I am grateful to Jeff for his unsurpassed commitment to Penn and his remarkable legacy of leadership and advocacy on behalf of our University and higher education,” says President Jameson. “It has been a joy to work with him.”

“As we position Penn for the path ahead, I am confident that Leigh’s breadth of experience and dynamic leadership will prove instrumental in advancing our missions in productive partnership with city, state, and national leaders and our local communities.”