The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia will soon be in search of a new leader.

Rob Wonderling, who has been the president & CEO of the region’s top business advocacy and civic organization since 2009, announced that he will be leaving the role next year.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve our Chamber, business, and civic community,” Wonderling said in a statement. “Together, we have accomplished much, and I have no doubt that we will continue to achieve much more. Our business community’s capacity and innovation never ceases to amaze me, and I am grateful to have been in service to such an outstanding organization.”

Since joining the Chamber more than a decade ago, Wonderling’s agenda has been to advance the region’s businesses, particularly by strengthening opportunities for entrepreneurs and diverse-owned businesses. 

That agenda was further heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, where Wonderling led the organization in the renewal of the economic stability of the region, particularly as diverse-owned businesses suffered the biggest impact. 

Wonderling was instrumental in the creation of the Philadelphia Regional Recharge and Recovery Task Force, a collaboration of over 160 expert leaders from the business and civic communities to present solutions to the impact of the pandemic. 

“Rob has always put the chamber first, which is characteristic of who he is and personifies the spirit of service he has brought to his work,” Susan Jacobson, chair of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, said in a memo to the organization’s Board of Directors. 

During Wonderling’s tenure, the Chamber has initiated new Councils working to establish Greater Philadelphia as a global leader in healthcare innovation, a premier talent hub and pioneering technologies to further advance a diversified, low carbon energy economy, among other efforts.

This includes the city-wide advocacy initiative, Neighborhood Growth Project, which focuses on a multi-faceted, pro-growth policy agenda to build prosperity in every corner of the City of Philadelphia, helping to lift people out of poverty and making needed investments in the city’s people and its future.

He has also worked to expand Greater Philadelphia’s cell and gene therapy sector, which has now become an important part of the region’s economy. 

Wonderling will remain in his role as president & CEO of the Chamber through the end of his contract, which expires June 30, 2022.