We are excited to share the appointment of Russell DiLeo as University Comptroller, following a national search. The University Comptroller is the chief accounting officer for the University and is responsible for ensuring that the University’s financial policies, procedures, operations and practices are appropriate, effective and efficient in a decentralized environment. The position requires strong leadership, the ability to collaborate broadly, high integrity, a deep understanding of accounting standards and tax regulations, and the ability to represent the institution on many levels and on multiple project teams. The University Comptroller plays a critical role in establishing systems and best practices that support the University’s education and research mission while also ensuring compliance with local, state, federal and international regulations. Through his work with Penn over 19 years and through his leadership as interim comptroller, he has lived up to each of these demanding criteria.

Russell started at Penn in 2000 as general accountant and progressed through every level of the Comptroller’s Office, serving as associate comptroller, financial reporting and accounting operations, before he took on the interim Comptroller’s role after John Horn’s retirement (Almanac March 3, 2020). He has great credibility throughout his vast external network and has been recognized by his higher education peers and PwC, our external accounting firm, as having some of the strongest technical skills in the industry coupled with best-in-class execution skills. He is viewed as being on the front line of industry trends/accounting issues. 

Russell is a strong collaborator across the University and is also known for his ability to develop excellent accounting professionals, many of whom are now in our Schools/Centers. He very much looks forward to deeper relationships across the University and the Health System. We wish to express our appreciation to the Hiring Committee comprised of senior financial executives from both the University and the Health System. His appointment will be brought to the Trustees for approval at its May meeting. 

—Craig Carnaroli, Executive Vice President

—MaryFrances McCourt, Vice President of Finance and Treasurer