Pennsylvania Western University has named Theresa Lugo as chief human resource officer. She succeeds Eric Guiser as the head of the Office of Human Resources and will be based at the PennWest Edinboro campus.

Lugo brings over 20 years of experience in human resources to her new role at PennWest.

A graduate of Northland International University, she served as the director for human resources at the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority. She spent almost 15 years working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and gained significant experience working with labor unions. She is a member of the Human Resources Management of Northwest Pennsylvania, the local chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (www.hrmanwpa.shrm.org);  and the Pennsylvania Human Resources Association (www.pittsburghhra.org).

"I look forward to stewarding the good work that has been done at PennWest,” Lugo said. “Our Human Resources Office remains committed to supporting a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to do their best work. Our goal is to continue to be a university that not only attracts top talent but also nurtures and retains it, ensuring that everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective success."

Lugo is an elected school board member for the PENNCREST School District in Crawford County, Pa., serving a four-year term that expires in November 2025. In that role, she served as committee chair for labor negotiations and secured a new Pennsylvania State Education Association contract with the district’s teachers. She also chaired the successful search for PENNCREST superintendent.