2023 in Review: Dramatic exits contribute to busy year of leadership changes in Greater Philadelphia
December 18, 2023
Philadelphia Business Journal
Types : In the News
When University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill and Chairman Scott Bok stepped down from their respective positions on Dec. 9, it added a final twist on a year of leadership volatility in Greater Philadelphia.
After weeks of pressure from alumni and major donors, and in the wake of her heavily criticized appearance before Congress, Magill resigned with the school facing two separate federal investigations into its handling of antisemitic incidents on campus. Bok’s resignation quickly followed.
While local leadership departures in 2023 weren’t all precipitated by turmoil, the Penn meltdown wasn’t the only change made under unfortunate circumstances.
Local law firms announced a slew of new bosses this year, including the first female leaders for a pair of major players in the industry.
In May, Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads selected the first woman to lead the firm in its 111-year history, naming Ashley Lynam co-chair. She now oversees the nearly 100-lawyer firm alongside Louis Petroni.