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