11/20/01, Pedro Ramos Named Vice President and Chief of Staff

Pedro Ramos, a partner with Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, has been named vice president and Chief of Staff at Penn, President Judith Rodin announced. He will begin his new position in January.

Reporting directly to Dr. Rodin, he will play a key role in senior-level decision making and serve as a senior policy advisor on short-term and longer-range issues.

"Pedro Ramos is a proven leader with extensive policy-making experience and a demonstrated commitment to the principles of education," said Dr. Rodin. "His legal, business, and civic experience equip him with a wealth of skills and seasoned judgment that are an excellent match for his new responsibilities. We are absolutely delighted about his decision to join the senior leadership team at Penn."

At Ballard Spahr since 1992, a substantial portion of his practice has included advising colleges, universities, hospitals and large not-for-profit organizations.

"Pedro has been an outstanding lawyer at Ballard Spahr and has been an outstanding civic leader in Philadelphia," said David Cohen, Ballard Spahr chairman. "I have no doubt that he will be an outstanding addition to the excellent management team at Penn."

Mr. Ramos, 36, has served two one-year terms as president of the Philadelphia school board and three as vice president. In addition to his role with the Board of Education, he serves on the boards of Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc., Mellon PSFS, and Philadelphia Futures. He has received the Leon J. Obermeyer Award and was selected as an Eisenhower Exchange Fellow.

He earned his B. A. degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1987 and his J.D. degree from the University of Michigan in 1992.