The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has tapped Drexel University President John A. Fry to be its next chairman starting this fall.

Fry will replace the current chairman, Denis O’Brien, CEO of Exelon Utilities, in October. O’Brien has been in that position since late 2014.

“John’s demonstrated leadership in higher education and the community position him perfectly for this role,” said O’Brien in a statement. “He is the ideal person to lead the Chamber during this exciting time of regional growth and innovation.”

Since taking the reins at Drexel in 2010, Fry oversaw Drexel’s Campus Master Plan which attracted $475 million in private investment. Fry also saw the expansion of initiatives at Drexel which saw it partner up with area companies to build on its community outreach. Programs like the PECO-Drexel Education Collaborative and the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships.   

“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,” said Fry.  “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.”

Prior to Drexel, Fry was president of Franklin and Marshall College and prior to that, Fry served as the executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Brooklyn, Fry holds a master’s degree in business administration from the New York University Stern school of Business.

“John has a broad understanding of policy and an ability to convene diverse sets of stakeholders,” said Rob Wonderling, chamber president and CEO. “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.”