The University of Pennsylvania has named Matt Sessa the executive director of student registration and financial services. His appointment will be effective Jan. 16.

Sessa has more than 20 years of experience with federal and state financial aid programs. He comes to Penn from the Office of Federal Student Aid in the U.S. Department of Education, where he most recently served as the Deputy Chief Operating Officer and, during a transition period, the Acting Chief Operating Officer. Prior to working at ED, he served in senior leadership roles at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

“I am delighted to welcome Matt to Penn and look forward to working together with him to continue enhancing the wide range of services we offer our students,” said Vice President for Finance and Treasurer MaryFrances McCourt. “His vast expertise in federal aid programs and managing a complex organizational structure will make him an invaluable member of our leadership team.”

Sessa holds an executive master of business administration and a master of science in information systems from Pennsylvania State University.

As executive director of SRFS, Sessa will provide strategic and operational leadership on financial aid, billing, registration, and operations. He will have a specific focus on developing a one-stop model of student service and designing comprehensive financial literacy programming for students. Additional information about Student Registration and Financial Services is available at www.srfs.upenn.edu.