Erika Gross, director for finance, administration & risk management in Penn’s Student Health Service, has been named the inaugural Chief Operating Officer for Wellness Services in the Division of the Vice Provost for University Life. In this new role, Ms. Gross will oversee operations and the eventual co-location of Alcohol and Other Drug Program Initiatives, Campus Health, Counseling and Psychological Service, Penn Violence Prevention, and the Student Health Service.

She will report to Chief Wellness Officer Dr. Benoit Dubé and, together, they will help VPUL carry out the vision of President Amy Gutmann and Provost Wendell Pritchett for Penn to provide a seamless and holistic wellness services for all undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

“I am honored and excited to take on this critical new position,” Ms. Gross said. “I look forward to working closely with VPUL wellness departments, and our partners across campus and the health system, to craft a world-class experience for the Penn community.”

“Erika brings a profound knowledge base and thriving campus network to this role, which will serve her and our students well,” Dr. Dubé added. “I am grateful to have her as a partner in this significant reimagining of our wellness services and delivery models.”

Ms. Gross has a 25-year professional history at Penn. Since 2011, she has served as the director of finance, administration and risk management at SHS. From 1993-2011, she held positions of increasing responsibility in the Office of Risk Management, culminating as director of  international risk management.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Penn in 1990 and a MBA/MS in health/health-care administration/management from Temple University’s Fox School of Business and Management in 2006.

She will begin the COO position immediately and continue to serve Student Health Service until a search for a replacement is underway.