Philadelphia Foundation announced the appointment of John S. Swartley, MBA, PhD to its Board of Managers. Swartley brings deep expertise in innovation strategy, technology commercialization, and cross-sector partnership to his role as a trusted advisor to Philadelphia Foundation.

“John has spent his career turning discovery into opportunity, and that is the kind of leadership our region needs as we work to expand economic mobility and build pathways to prosperity for all Philadelphians,” said Pedro Ramos, President and CEO of Philadelphia Foundation. “His experience connecting research institutions, corporate partners, and emerging ventures will strengthen our ability to convene diverse stakeholders and drive the cross-sector collaboration.”

Swartley serves as the inaugural Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Pennsylvania, where he leads a campus-wide innovation agenda in support of Penn’s faculty and research community. Working closely with Penn’s leadership, deans, and external partners, he oversees the development, translation, and commercialization of the university’s research. He previously spent nearly a decade as Associate Vice Provost for Research and founding Managing Director of the Penn Center for Innovation, leading teams focused on corporate partnerships, technology licensing, and new venture creation.

Swartley holds a B.S. in Biology from Bates College, an MBA from the Goizueta School of Business at Emory University, and a PhD in Microbial and Molecular Genetics from Emory University.

His appointment deepens Philadelphia Foundation’s connections to the region’s innovation and research ecosystem and reinforces Philadelphia Foundation’s commitment to bringing diverse expertise to its work as a civic catalyst in the region.