William B. Petersen

William B. Petersen is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. He brings extensive professional experience from senior legal and executive roles, including as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and held leadership positions at Verizon, such as General Counsel of Verizon Wireless.

His academic background includes:

• BA from Ursinus College
• M.Div. from Yale Divinity School
• JD from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review

Petersen's research and professional interests center on law, corporate governance, litigation, and nonprofit management. His career bridges legal practice, corporate law, and cultural institution leadership.

He is actively involved in civic and cultural governance, currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Rosenbach Museum & Library, where he chairs the Nominations and Governance Committee and sits on the Executive Committee. He has also contributed to the boards of WHYY, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia.

Notable honors and affiliations:

• Editor-in-Chief, University of Pennsylvania Law Review
• Former Assistant United States Attorney, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
• Senior legal and executive leadership at Verizon Communications and Verizon Wireless

Petersen advises on governance and legal strategy in public and nonprofit sectors. His work reflects a deep commitment to civic engagement, cultural institutions, and legal excellence. While no formal advisees or research grants are mentioned, his influence extends through institutional leadership and board governance.

He is associated with several prominent teams and organizations:

• Philadelphia Museum of Art (former COO and General Counsel)
• Rosenbach Museum & Library (Board Member, Executive Committee, Chair of Nominations and Governance)
• WHYY (former Board and Executive Committee member)
• Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (former Board and Executive Committee member)
• Independence Visitor Center (former Board member)