Drexel President John Fry Named Chairman of Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

John Fry, the president of Drexel University, will become chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in October 2016. He’ll succeed Denis O’Brien, senior executive vice president of Exelon Corp., and CEO of Exelon Utilities. O’Brien said, “John’s demonstrated leadership in higher education and the community position him perfectly for this role.  He is the ideal person to lead the Chamber during this exciting time of regional growth and innovation." Chamber President and CEO Rob Wonderling said, “The Chamber welcomes John Fry as its new Chairman beginning in October. John has a broad understanding of policy and an ability to convene diverse sets of stakeholders. These qualities will allow him to be a visionary leader as the Chamber continues to build initiatives like the Health Care Innovation Collaborative and Action Team, Roadmap for Growth, Greater Philadelphia Energy Action Team and other key projects in the future.” 

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Fry has been a member of the Chamber’s board of directors since 2010 and a member of its executive committee since 2011. He’s certainly a notable figure in the Philly business community. He’s led Drexel’s Campus Master Plan, which has attracted $475 million for projects like student residences, market-rate housing, retail amenities and a hotel. In October, Fry extended his contract at Drexel for another five years.
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“I am humbled and thrilled to serve as the next chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. When I became president of Drexel University, I saw the institution as a catalyst for growth and development in the surrounding community and Philadelphia as a whole. As chairman of the Chamber, I will utilize that same spirit to affect positive change for our members, area residents and the region’s economy.”
-John Fry

Did you know Drexel University is a Sustaining Member of World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia and has been a partner organization since 2007? Learn more about our partners and members.