Matthew Grossman was appointed Penn’s vice president for University Communications.
Matthew Grossman was appointed to serve as Penn’s vice president for University Communications on Tuesday.
The Feb. 25 announcement — which was made by Interim Penn President Larry Jameson — emphasized Grossman’s leadership and communications experience, including his previous positions at venture capital firm Techstars and The Walt Disney Company. His term is set to begin on April 7, pending approval from the University Board of Trustees.
“Matt Grossman brings a wealth of communications experience and a strategic, innovative mindset to this vital leadership role,” Jameson wrote in the announcement. “His ability to forge meaningful connections, shape thoughtful dialogue, and advance impactful narratives will be essential as we build on Penn’s strengths to educate future generations, inspire discovery, and lead on the great challenges of our time.”
In his new role, Grossman will advise Jameson and other Penn senior administrators on long-term communications projects. He will also direct the University’s external communications with the greater Penn community and organizations across the nation.
Grossman will come to Penn during a period of global attention and fiscal instability — particularly directed toward Penn’s 12 graduate schools following significant reductions to graduate admissions rates in light of research funding cuts by the federal government.
“Penn’s integration of rigorous academics and groundbreaking research with real-world application is unrivaled,” Grossman wrote in the announcement. “I cannot wait to join the University Communications team and look forward to working with Penn’s twelve schools to share the stories of this great institution and its global impact.”
Prior to his appointment, Grossman received his MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles’ Anderson School of Business and undergraduate degree from Middlebury College.
Grossman will succeed Stephen MacCarthy, who served in the position from 2011 to 2023 and returned in an interim capacity following Anna Cowenhoven’s resignation in August 2024. During his first tenure, which was under former Penn President Amy Gutmann, MacCarthy founded Penn Today.
Cowenhoven was appointed by former Penn President Liz Magill and stepped down less than a year into her tenure, which began in August 2023. In a statement following Cowenhoven’s resignation, Jameson announced MacCarthy in the interim of “a global search for the next Vice President for University Communications.”
“I am deeply grateful for Steve MacCarthy’s superb leadership during this transitional period,” Jameson wrote in the Feb. 25 announcement. “He is an exemplary University citizen whose expertise and steady hand was, once again, invaluable.”
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
Donate
