University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Semaia Named VP of Stadium Relations for Buffalo Bills
7/19/2023 3:51:00 PM | General
PITTSBURGH -- Penny Semaia, Pitt's senior associate athletic director for the Cathy and John Pelusi Family Life Skills Program, has been hired by the Buffalo Bills as the vice president of stadium relations.
In his new capacity, Semaia will work closely with Bills vice president of stadium development John Polka and vice president of creative/stadium design Frank Cravotta during the construction phase of the Bills' new stadium.
Under Semaia's direction, Pitt has gained a national reputation for successful student-athlete development as the Cathy and John Pelusi Family Life Skills Program is considered the finest in all of college athletics.
"Words cannot adequately describe Penny Semaia's impact at the University of Pittsburgh," Director of Athletics Heather Lyke said. "As a leader, mentor and dear friend, Penny has positively impacted countless lives at Pitt with his 'high-five and a smile' approach to work and life. He also coined the phrase 'Forever Panther' in describing our passionate athletic alumni.
"For more than two decades, Penny has inspired student-athletes and staff members alike to be our very best selves. He has a true gift to lift others up and energize a room full of people in a way no one else can match. We wish Penny and his wife Kristian all the best in this great opportunity with the Buffalo Bills that returns them home to their native Upstate New York. And Penny knows he will always be welcomed back as a true 'Forever Panther.'"
Semaia was a four-year letterman for the Pitt football team from 2000-03. Joining Pitt Athletics in 2005 as career and life skills coordinator, he has been an invaluable resource for not only Pitt student-athletes but also for people across the university community and beyond.
Semaia has been a facilitator for NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership and Professional conferences and the NFL/NCAA Life Skills Summit. He served on the NCAA's Mental Health Task Force and Student-Athlete Affairs Advisory Group. Most recently, Semaia served as a national facilitator for the National Consortium for Academic and Sports (NCAS), providing programs and services focusing on various life skills topics.
Semaia collaborated with the Pittsburgh Public School District to initiate the "We Promise" program, a campaign aimed at promoting higher education and life readiness among young African-American students in the school district. He also teamed with the Troy and Theodora Polamalu Foundation to help provide life skills training through the Fa'a Samoa Initiative in American Samoa.
He was the recipient of the University of Pittsburgh Chancellor's Award for Staff Excellence in the Community as well as the Art Ramicone Unsung Hero Award from Pitt's Division of Student Affairs. Additionally, the City of Pittsburgh presented Semaia with the Citizen Service Award.
A 2003 graduate of Pitt, he earned his degree in anthropology with related areas in sociology and performance.
