Appointment of Chief of Staff and Search for New Economic Development Leader

Dear Senior CMU Leaders:
 
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Tricia O’Reilly as Carnegie Mellon University’s chief of staff. Since Rick Siger’s departure earlier this year to serve as secretary of community and economic development for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tricia has been serving as interim chief of staff, and I am delighted we will continue to get the benefit of her leadership and experience by making this appointment permanent.

Tricia joined the university in 2016 and has been one of my key advisors during my tenure as both provost and president, having served as senior director for executive communications. Her work on behalf of my office, including engaging with partners across campus and beyond, has already had significant impact. As chief of staff, she will continue to work in partnership with academic and administrative leadership as well as faculty, students and staff to help advance our strategic goals and university priorities.
 
Recognizing the critical role that CMU plays in the region’s economy, the university has also launched a search for a chief economic development officer. This person will develop and execute an economic development strategy that reflects the mission of the university, enhances CMU's societal impact and attracts new sources of funding. A search advisory committee of staff and faculty chaired by Dean Bill Sanders of the College of Engineering and Tim McNulty, associate vice president for Government Relations, are providing counsel as the search progresses with the support of Jorgenson Consulting. I look forward to recruiting an exceptional leader to this critical role.
 
In the meantime, please join me in congratulating Tricia!

Sincerely,

Farnam Jahanian
President
Henry L. Hillman President’s Chair