PHILADELPHIA- Christopher Patusky, deputy director of the University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government, has been appointed to the United Therapeutics Board of Directors.

United Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on combating chronic and life-threatening cardiovascular, infectious and oncological diseases with unique therapeutic products.

"We are honored to have Professor Patusky join our Board of Directors," said Martine Rothblatt, chairman and CEO of United Therapeutics. "His expertise in organizational governance, and his commitment to public and community interests augur well for our company."

Patusky received his bachelor's degree, Phi Beta Kappa, from Northwestern University; his law degree from Harvard Law School, where he received the Nathan Burkan Memorial Copyright Award; and his master's degree from Penn's Fels Institute of Government, where he received the Institute's Public Financial Management Award.

Before his appointment at Penn, Patusky practiced law for 12 years, first as a clerk with the Hon. Ammi Cutter and the Hon. Benjamin Kaplan of the Massachusetts Appeals Court and then with the Boston firm of Hill & Barlow. He practiced law with the Washington, D.C. based firm of Mahon Patusky, Rothblatt & Fisher where he specialized in litigation and administrative law. He is president of the Fairmount Community Development Corporation.

The Fels Institute of Government, founded in 1937, is one of the oldest public management programs in the country and its alumni serve at all levels of local, state and federal government.