PHILADELPHIA (January 26, 2022) – Looking beyond the pandemic toward building an organization that supports the region’s business for the next decade and beyond, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia has identified goals to drive the organization forward and embarked on a process to select a new leader.

The Chamber’s Search Committee began its work in November and is comprised of a diverse group of leaders including co-chairs Mike Innocenzo, president and CEO of PECO; and Susan Jacobson, chair of the Chamber and president of Jacobson Strategic Communications; as well Greg Deavens, president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross; Madeline Bell, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Craig Carnaroli, senior executive vice president at the University of Pennsylvania; Bret Perkins, senior vice president of External and Government Affairs at Comcast; Jami McKeon, chair of Morgan Lewis; Marc Coleman, president, founder and CEO of The Tactile Group; Pedro Ramos; president and CEO of The Philadelphia Foundation; and Dan Fitzpatrick, president of Citizens Bank, Mid-Atlantic Division.

The group prioritized the aspirations of Recharge and Recover to drive the Chamber’s vision for a prosperous future.  It also identified traits a new leader would need to lead the Chamber in attracting new business to the region, expanding opportunities for existing businesses and creating new jobs.

“COVID has propelled us into a period of significant disruption and transformation,” said Chamber Chair Susan Jacobson.  “As a Chamber, we are thinking critically about what our future can look like in the face of these challenges and working to identify a leader who can lead our organization through them and drive our vision forward.”

Rob Wonderling, the Chamber’s president and CEO, informed the Chamber’s leadership in 2019 that he would not seek a renewal of his employment agreement, allowing time for organizational and leadership succession. He committed to the Chamber during the pandemic providing steady leadership in uncertain times but will step down from his role no later than June 30, 2022, as planned.

In considering how to best advance its economic development, workforce and talent, public policy and advocacy, inclusive and equitable growth agenda, the Search Committee invited eight diverse firms in size and scope with experience with national searches, chamber searches and who have a track record of placing diverse candidates to interview. Five firms presented, and Korn Ferry was selected for its deep experience with other chamber searches. Interested candidates can contact Lorraine Lavet at Lorraine.Lavet@KornFerry.com.

The Chamber expects to name a new president and chief executive officer in May.

“The region’s business community finds itself at a critical crossroads and the scale of change is already evident,” said Mike Innocenzo. “I am grateful to the members of the Search Committee for investing their time, expertise and thoughtful deliberation to charting our future success.”

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia—The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia brings area businesses and civic leaders together to promote growth and create opportunity in our region. Our members represent eleven counties, three states, and roughly 600,000 employees from thousands of member companies and organizations. We advocate for regional development, business-friendly public policies, and economic prosperity. And all that we do serves one clear goal: to make Greater Philadelphia a great place for good business. ChamberPHL.com