Announcing New Board Appointments, Including John Grady as UCD’s Board Chair

John Grady has been elected UCD’s new board chair for a one-year term. Grady, an established economic development leader in Philadelphia, currently serves as Senior Vice President of Development and Northeast Region Executive for Wexford Science & Technology LLC, a real estate development company that partners with universities, academic medical centers, and research institutions to develop mixed-use knowledge communities nationally, including the uCity Square community in University City. Grady’s ties to UCD date back to his time in executive leadership at PIDC, where he was instrumental in supporting UCD’s work including the transformation of the 40^th Street Trolley Portal and the establishment of the Navy Yard Skills Initiative.

“John Grady has long been one of Philadelphia’s most respected leaders, and has similarly been a longtime champion of our work,” says UCD President Matt Bergheiser. “He understands how the private sector, government, anchor institutions and community organizations can work together to strengthen Philadelphia. John and his Wexford team have undertaken transformative development and community work in University City, and he is the ideal partner to lead our board through the next phase of our growth.”

“UCD is a model of a thoughtful, engaged, and action-oriented organization, and I have appreciated my association with the team and partners here for more than 15 years. I am thrilled to now expand that association to serve as board chair during this next phase of its evolution and growth,” says Grady. “I’ve been fortunate to have seen firsthand how robust, results-oriented collaborations among business, civic, and community partners can create opportunities that change the trajectory of individuals and communities here in University City and across all of Philadelphia, and I’m truly looking forward to supporting the work ahead of us at UCD.”

The position of board chair was previously held by Craig Carnaroli, who is departing his role as Senior Executive Vice President at the University of Pennsylvania after 25 years for a new role at Stanford University. Also departing the UCD board is longtime treasurer and founding board member Joe Trainor, who announced his retirement after serving the organization for 28 years while working at both the University of the Sciences and the Wistar Institute.

The UCD board elevated Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Sophia Holder and Penn Medicine’s Keith Kasper to serve as co-treasurers. Sophia serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at CHOP where she guides the $4.7 billion annual budget of CHOP’s health system and research institute. She has served on UCD’s board since joining in 2022 and brings over 25 years of financial expertise.

Keith Kasper is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for Penn Medicine and was formerly Penn Medicine’s longtime CFO. Keith joined the UCD board in 2017 and possesses over 30 years of experience in senior and executive-level roles at major hospitals, including the University of Pennsylvania Health System where he’s worked since 2004.

“Sophia and Keith are renowned leaders at their respective anchor institutions,” says Matt Bergheiser. “Their expertise and experience have been invaluable to UCD during their time on the board and we are thrilled they’ll be serving as co-treasurers and co-chairs of our finance committee.”