Drexel President Named Chairman of Chamber of Commerce

John Fry, president of Drexel University.

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has found a new leader. John Fry, the president of Drexel University, will become chairman of the organization in October 2016. He’ll succeed Denis O’Brien, senior executive vice president of Exelon Corp., and CEO of Exelon Utilities.

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 power-player 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.

A Chamber statement announcing the move highlighted Drexel’s innovation programs like Drexel Ventures, the Drexel-Ben Franklin Technology Partners Seed Fund and the Innovation Center @ 3401 Market, as big accomplishments for Fry.

“I am humbled and thrilled to serve as the next chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce,” said Fry. “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.”

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