Kathleen Shields Anderson, J.D., MBA

Vice President for Public Safety

Kathleen Shields Anderson serves as Vice President for the Division of Public Safety, overseeing the strategic direction of the Division and its 182 staff members. Ms. Shields Anderson joined the Division of Public Safety in 2012 as Executive Director of Operations, after serving as a Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney. In her time in the District Attorney’s Office, Ms. Shields Anderson worked in a number of capacities. In addition to preparing, investigating, and prosecuting major felony cases, including many jury trials, she participated in efforts to improve pre-trial charging procedures as a member of the District Attorney’s reformed Charging Unit.

Ms. Shields Anderson studied Political Science at the College of the Holy Cross, holds a J.D. from Villanova University School of Law and an MBA from Temple University Fox School of Business. Prior to law school, Kathleen served as a Legislative Aide in the U.S. House of Representatives. During this time, she was the principal staffer for natural resources, environmental, and international relations appropriations and policy, where she drafted and advocated for related legislation.

About Office of the Vice President

Under the leadership of the Vice President for Public Safety, the Office of the Vice President facilitates the strategic and operational mission of the Division of Public Safety.

The Office of the Vice President (VPO) executes the strategic planning and day-to-day operations of the Division of Public Safety. The team manages all media and community communication in partnership with Penn’s Office of University Communications. The VPO coordinates the collaboration of University-wide participants to produce the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Clery Report). The VPO also designs, brands, and distributes all safety and security collateral.