UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Tiffany Cunningham has been named the director of the Financial Analysis and Compliance Office (FACO), which is housed within Penn State’s Office of Research Administration Services (ORAS), effective Nov. 18.
The FACO is tasked with collaborating closely with the Office of Internal Audit and college research offices to ensure the successful monitoring and closeout of restricted grants and contracts. The office is committed to mitigating risks, enhancing oversight of high-risk transactions, and working collaboratively with the post-award community at Penn State to identify and implement areas for improvement. FACO will also offer support in training, professional development and fostering the exchange of best practices among post-award professionals.
In her new role, Cunningham will guide FACO's strategic initiatives, including budgetary planning, operational efficiency and team development, supporting Penn State’s mission of delivering high-impact service, innovation and community engagement. Cunningham will report to Jason Guilbeault, assistant vice president for research, post-award contractual compliance, ORAS.
With a career spanning over 16 years at Penn State, Cunningham brings an impressive record of leadership in financial strategy, operational management and compliance to her new position. In her most recent role as senior manager and financial officer for Penn State Information Technology (IT), Cunningham led the financial stewardship of a $210 million budget, delivering strategic counsel to the vice president for IT. Her tenure has been marked by a consistent focus on enhancing policy compliance, developing internal systems and driving operational excellence through strategic initiatives, risk management and improved processes.
“Tiffany Cunningham’s extensive expertise, proven leadership and dedication to building strong, inclusive teams make her an exceptional choice for this role,” said John W. Hanold, associate vice president for research. “We are thrilled to see how her vision will further strengthen Penn State’s financial stewardship and collaborative operations.”
Cunningham is an advocate for diversity and inclusion, demonstrated through her active involvement in multiple employee resource groups and mentorship programs at Penn State. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous certifications and awards, including the Administrative Committee on Research Collaboration Award.
“I am honored to take on this role in the Financial Analysis and Compliance Office at an institution I have proudly served for many years,” Cunningham said. “I am committed to upholding the highest standards of financial excellence, fostering collaboration and developing processes that are both effective and adaptable, ensuring our research community thrives within a framework of integrity and innovation.”
Cunningham holds a Juris Doctor from New York Law School and a dual bachelor’s degree in political science and Africana studies from Vassar College. She is a licensed attorney in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
For more information about the Research Support Transformation Project and to provide feedback on current workstreams, visit the project’s SharePoint site.