The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that Monica Medina has been named Executive Director of the Wharton Public Policy Initiative. Ms. Medina, who currently serves in the U.S. Department of Defense as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, will be the first Executive Director of the Initiative. She will assume this Washington, DC-based position on April 12.

“The Wharton Public Policy Initiative will forge strong connections between Washington policymakers and our nation’s oldest and most esteemed school of business – the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School,” said Penn President Amy Gutmann.  “By providing expert, nonpartisan research and disseminating knowledge, the WPPI will help government leaders and key decision makers make more informed decisions, particularly on issues relating to economics and business.  Having someone with the breadth of Monica Medina’s experience as Executive Director of the WPPI will help ensure that the WPPI’s impact is immediate and long-lasting.”

Launched in September 2012, the Wharton Public Policy Initiative offers independent, practical, timely, nonpartisan research and resources to government policymakers and key decision-makers. Forging this strong connection between the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and Washington’s policymakers, the Initiative seeks to bridge the intellectual divide that currently exists between policymakers and the business community.  In addition, the Initiative aims to expand opportunities for students to explore careers in public policy, and to engage alumni of Wharton and the University who are interested or involved in public policy.

“It is vital for business to understand government and for government to understand business. This Initiative will serve as a conduit to provide knowledge and analysis of important and timely issues to government and policy leaders. With offices on the Penn campus and in Washington DC, Wharton will provide the foundation for a new and productive dialog between policymakers and business executives. I am pleased to welcome Monica to Wharton. Her experience and enthusiasm for policy work will serve the Initiative well,” said Thomas S. Robertson, Dean of the Wharton School.

Ms. Medina, as the Executive Director, will be a key leader for pursuing these goals and strategically developing the Initiative’s presence in Washington, DC.  She brings to this role a long career of public service and a wealth of experience in DC, in capacities spanning the government, business, non-profits, and the law.  “I am thrilled to join the Wharton team, and look forward to bringing all that the faculty, students and alumni have to offer to help policymakers in Washington address today’s most pressing challenges,” said Medina.

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