Carol Scheman Stepping Down as VP for Government

Carol Scheman has decided to step down from her position as vice president for government, community and public affairs as of July 1, 2005.

“During her tenure at Penn, Carol has played a key role in developing lasting partnerships with Penn’s neighbors and community organizations,” said President Amy Gutmann. “In addition, she has created superbly strong relationships for Penn with leaders in the City, in Harrisburg and in Washington, D.C. She leaves the University on strong footing with these important partners,” Dr. Gutmann added.

One of the original co-chairs of the West Philadelphia initiatives, Ms. Scheman worked closely with city and community leaders to help transform the community. She created new programs including Communiversity Days (Almanac November 14, 1995) and First Thursday meetings. She worked collaboratively with the Commonwealth, resulting in increased appropriations and capital support.

“Carol has also lent valuable support and sage advice to the Neighborhood Initiatives and External Affairs Committees of the Board of Trustees. In addition, her participation and leadership on important associations, including the Consortium on Financing Higher Education, the Middle States Commission and the Association of American Universities, has assured that Penn played an important national role in addressing key policy issues in higher education,” said Dr. Gutmann.

Ms. Scheman came to Penn from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1994 to fill the then-new position of vice president for government and community relations (Almanac September 6, 1994).

Over the course of the coming months, Ms. Scheman will be working closely with Joann Mitchell, vice president and chief of staff, and Craig Carnaroli, EVP, to ensure a smooth transition. She will spend a substantial amount of time in Washington, D.C. working on pressing policy matters and key budget and appropriations issues. A search for Ms. Scheman’s successor will begin immediately, according to Dr. Gutmann.