Updates

Economy League's Board Leadership

March 27, 2008

March 27, 2008

 

ECONOMY LEAGUE’S NEW BOARD LEADERSHIP

 

Chair and Vice Chair to Set Stage for 100th Anniversary in 2009

 

 

(March 7, 2008 – Philadelphia) The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia is pleased to announce new leadership of its Board of Directors. James R. Waddington, Jr., Director of Operations for Lockheed Martin Mission and Combat Support Solutions, has been elected to serve a one-year term as Chair.

 

Waddington resides in Gilbertsville, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He succeeds James P. Dunigan, Executive Vice President of PNC Bank. John F. Smith, III, Esq., Partner with Reed Smith LLP, will serve as Vice Chair. Together, Waddington and Smith are responsible for providing leadership, and ensuring accountability in the Economy League’s work, finances and outcomes. The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia’s 60-member Board is comprised of leading national and regional corporations and organizations that care deeply about the future of Greater Philadelphia.

 

“The Economy League is dedicated to making Greater Philadelphia a world-class region and to playing a role in developing the regional attitude that it takes to get there,” said Steven T. Wray, Economy League Executive Director. “Through in-depth research, collaboration with regional stakeholders, and creative problem-solving, we will continue to think about future challenges and collaborate with other organizations to identify practical solutions to ensure a great future for the region.”

 

As a chief communications strategist, Waddington’s career has taken him to the largest corporations in the region. At Lockheed Martin, he has directed marketing and public affairs for several of Lockheed’s multi-billion dollar divisions.

 

“What is great about the Economy League is its willingness to take up difficult, multi-layered problems that hinder the region’s competitiveness and emerge with practical suggestions informed by top notch research and analysis,” said Waddington. “With 11,000 employees in the Delaware Valley, it is crucial for companies like Lockheed Martin that this region be one that can excel in attracting and retaining talent.”

 

 

“During the past two years, the Economy League has sharpened its mission, increased partnerships and alliances, and added staff. As we move forward, Jim Waddington’s expertise will be --- more --- Economy League of Greater Philadelphia 1700 Market Street, Suite 3130 Philadelphia, PA 19103 tel: 215 563 3640 fax: 215 563 1566 www.EconomyLeague.org invaluable in building on this momentum. We are delighted to have him in this important leadership position,” said Wray.

 

A Villanova resident, John Smith is passionate about Philadelphia and over the years has taken an active role in numerous civic organizations in addition to the Economy League. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of International House Philadelphia, a position he has held for three years. He is a former director of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and a founding member and past president of the Philadelphia Chamber Ensemble.

 

“Having been a member of our Board from more than 20 years, John Smith’s perspective and dedication made him a natural for a position of prominence for our centennial,” said Wray.

 

“I am delighted to be selected as Vice Chair of the Economy League, particularly in this year,” said John Smith. “It will be my distinct pleasure to support the organization’s work and facilitate the planning of its 100th anniversary. I am honored to be entrusted with these important tasks.”

 

Currently, the Economy League is working on several projects of regional importance. 

 

  • Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange: a program to develop leaders of business, civic, and government organizations into visionaries dedicated to making Greater Philadelphia a world-class region that culminates in a three-day visit to Atlanta in September. 

  • Mayor for a Day Budget Simulation: a web-based experience that will allow citizens to make the decisions and wrestle with the trade-offs that Mayor Nutter and his administration face in devising the city's budget.

 

Recent Past Chairs of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia

 

  • 2007 James P. Dunigan, EVP, PNC Bank

  • 2005-06 Mary Stengel Austen, President and CEO, Tierney Communications

  • 2003-04 Gregg Melinson, Esq., Parter, Drinker Biddle and Reath

  • 2001-02 Eric Rabe, Vice President, Verizon

  • 2000 Kenneth G. Lawrence, PECO

 

 

 

 

 

About Economy League of Greater Philadelphia

The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to research and analysis of the region’s resources and challenges with the goal of promoting sound public policy and increasing the region’s prosperity. ELGP is an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Economy League, Inc., with offices in Harrisburg, Wilkes Barre, and Pittsburgh.