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NGSS Leadership

As a complex, multi-year, transformational effort, the Next Generation Student Systems program benefits from an engaged leadership team drawn from Penn's senior staff and experienced consulting partners. Read about the leadership team as of spring 2023:


Executive Sponsors

Executive sponsors are Penn leaders who commissioned the program for the University. Sponsors have both the responsibility and authority to provide funding for the program.



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Thomas H. Murphy

Senior Vice President, Information Systems and Computing and University CIO

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Mark Dingfield

Vice President, Finance and Treasurer, University of Pennsylvania

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Matthew Lane

Vice Dean for Finance and Administration, School of Arts & Sciences






Executive Owners

Executive owners are committed to the successful completion of the project and are ultimately responsible for its implementation and ongoing integration.



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Jeanne Curtis

Executive Director of Application and Information Services, Information Systems and Computing

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David Ishmael

Executive Director, Financial Systems and Training, Division of Finance



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Rob Nelson

Executive Director for Academic and Technology Planning, Office of the Provost

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Matt Sessa

Associate Vice President, Student Registration & Financial Services



Program and Project Managers

Program and project managers are responsible to the owners for progress including schedules, milestones, deliverables, and costs. They monitor and coordinate the teams’ work and lead team efforts to identify all program-related business decisions and recommend appropriate action. They also act as chief liaisons and arbitrators among technical, functional, and infrastructure groups.



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Rosey Nissley

Program Manager

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Ashley Thompson

Records Release 2 Project Manager

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Bill Branan

Technical Project Manager – Data Access & Environment

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Jan Levsen

Financial Aid Project Manager & Cross-Functional Coordinator




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Isobel Thompson

Technical Project Manager – Development & Architects

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Stu Benoff

Technical Project Manager – Development & Architects

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Deb Long

User Experience Project Manager