Sandra (Sandy) LaMonaca brings experience and dedication to her role as Associate Director of Academic Operations in the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics (DBEI). A Philadelphia native, Sandy returned in 2014 after a career spanning both government and corporate sectors in New Jersey and Connecticut, since 1997.

At Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine, Sandy served the Office of the Chair for the Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine (CSAM), where she managed all faculty activities for over 70 clinical faculty in a 24/7 level-one small animal hospital trauma center. Her span included the streamlining of numerous operational processes and steadfast support for faculty and staff alike.

With a formal education in Business Administration and BAAS in Leadership & Communication, Sandy's career has been marked by resilience and multifaceted skill sets. Her journey includes a 14-year tenure as a volunteer firefighter in New Jersey, achieving certifications in Firefighter I & II, EMT, CPR, Instructor as well as leadership and incident command training. These experiences have uniquely equipped Sandy with the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and excel in problem-solving, project management, and service to others — skills she seamlessly translates into her academic operations role.

Outside of work, Sandy shares her home in West Deptford, NJ with her husband Jim, who works for Penn Vet, their children, and their four dogs. Nestled on a wooded property, they find joy in the company of nature and animals, enjoying their shared passion for cooking, travel, entertaining friends, and simply being together as a family.

Sandy LaMonaca's journey is a testament to the power of diverse experiences and a deep-rooted commitment to excellence, both professionally and personally. Her ability to blend leadership, compassion, and strategic acumen enriches the academic community at Penn, inducing her drive and passion for every endeavor she undertakes.