Phyllis Holtzman has been appointed interim director of university communications in the Office of University Relations. Holtzman, who was senior manager of university communications for two years, will serve as interim director until a search is completed for a permanent replacement for former Director of University Relations Ken Wildes.

Prior to serving as senior manager, Holtzman served in various senior positions in communications and public affairs at the University for 10 years.

Holtzman was a correspondent for The Philadelphia Inquirer prior to her appointment at Penn in January 1988.

Events planning

Ellen Epstein has been appointed as executive director of ceremonies and special events. Events planning, formerly in the Office of the Secretary, is now a part of the Office of the President. Epstein brings more than 14 years of event design and management experience to the task of planning the University’s ceremonial functions and other events. For the past four years she has served as director of events in the Office of the President.

Meryl Marcus has been named associate director of ceremonial events in the Office of the President. Formerly associate director of special events and diplomas in the Office of the Secretary, she brings several years’ experience planning and executing Convocation, Baccaluareate and Commencement ceremonies.