The Division of Public Safety Advisory Board is comprised of University of Pennsylvania faculty, staff, and students from a cross-section of academic departments, centers and divisions, as well as West Philadelphia community organization leaders.

In consultation with the Senior Executive Vice President and Provost through the Vice President for Public Safety, the Advisory Board is charged with assisting the Division of Public Safety with the development of the strategic direction in order to enhance the safety and overall quality of life for the Penn and West Philadelphia communities.

Board members will use their varied expertise and areas of specialization within the Penn community to offer sound advice and critiques to the Vice President for Public Safety. They will assist in educating the Penn and West Philadelphia communities about programs, services and initiatives offered by the Division of Public Safety, and, in turn, advise the Vice President for Public Safety on the services and policies desired by the Penn and West Philadelphia communities.

The Advisory Board is committed to guiding the Division of Public Safety’s delivery of the highest quality comprehensive and integrated safety and security program and service to all valued members of the University of Pennsylvania and the West Philadelphia communities.

Academic Year 2021-2022 Membership

Chair – Rev. William Gipson, Special Advisor to the Vice President for Social Equity & Community

Outgoing Chair – Dr. Dennis Culhane, Professor, School of Social Policy and Practice

Dr. Rudie Altamirano, Director, International Student and Scholar Services

Baha Backnak, GAPSA Representative

Matt Bergheiser, President, University City District

Glenn Bryan, Assistant Vice President, Community Relations, OGCA

Pastor Pamela Davis, Christ Community Church

Valerie Dorsey-Allen, Director, African American Resource Center

Dr. Benoit Dubé, University Wellness Officer

Dr. Chris Edwards, PPMC Emergency Department Chief

Ben Evans, Associate Vice President for Risk Management

Tristan Fajardo, United Minority Council Representative

Tamara King, Senior Associate Provost for Student Affairs

Karu Kozuma, Director, College House & Academic Services

Caroline Li, Undergraduate Assembly Representative

Margaret Livingston, Walnut Hill Neighborhood Association Chair

John MacDonald, Professor, Criminology and Sociology

Richard Moore, Spruce Hill Neighborhood Association Chair

Wendy White, Esq., Senior Vice President and General Counsel