John Grady '85 Receives The Ellipse Award

John S. Grady, Jr. '85, President of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), is the recipient of the 2017 Ellipse Award, which is bestowed annually to a member of the community who has improved the quality of life through pioneering or innovative approaches to infrastructure development or redevelopment. John received the award at the annual Ellipse Gala on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

As President of PIDC, Mr. Grady is responsible for the organization's efforts to develop and implement collaborative strategies designed to drive economic growth to every corner of Philadelphia. He leads PIDC's efforts to strengthen relationships with the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to deliver capital to growing businesses, promote investment, and energize the development of the city's workplaces of the future.

"I am honored by this recognition," said PIDC President, John Grady. "Infrastructure can so often be over looked but it is vital to attracting investment, supporting business and job growth and driving economic activity throughout the city and region. Pennoni is shining a light on this important area through this award and I am grateful for the acknowledgement of PIDC's work. Thank you to Chuck Pennoni for leadership of Pennoni and promoting infrastructure planning and development in our region."

Mr. Grady joined PIDC in 1998 and has been its President since 2011 after serving in a variety of senior leadership positions, including overseeing PIDC's city-wide real estate development activity and its acquisition and redevelopment of The Navy Yard. Mr. Grady has more than 25 years of leadership experience in public-private partnerships that drive investment, development, and job growth in and around Philadelphia. Mr. Grady's ongoing commitment to building the city's infrastructure and livability throughout his professional career and personal life exemplifies the qualities of an Ellipse Award recipient.

"John is very deserving of this honor because of his dedication to infrastructure revitalization. He has played an integral role in the transformation of the Philadelphia Navy Yard," said Pennoni Founder and Chairman, C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni, PE. "The Navy Yard thrived during WWI and WWII, but when the Cold War ended, closure announcements began in 1991. In 2001, PIDC took ownership of much of the Navy Yard. In 15 years, the Navy Yard has attracted more than 150 companies, with more than 13,000 employees, which have resulted in $350 million of infrastructure investments that continue to improve roads, bridges, and utilities. This accomplishment typifies the purpose of the Ellipse Award."

Prior to joining PIDC, Mr. Grady spent nine years with the Cooper's Ferry Development Association, planning and developing Camden, NJ's commercial waterfront. Mr. Grady is a highly active member on multiple boards across the city, including La Salle University, Roman Catholic High School's Board of Advisors, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Drexel University's Real Estate Council, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Real Estate Advisory Board, the Collegiate Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, and the East Falls Development Corporation.

Mr. Grady's legacy of success will benefit generations of Americans to come. His championing of infrastructure as a leading driver for our region's position as a world-class center of business and industry, as well as his ability to lead change to make that vision a reality, are among the reasons he was been chosen as the recipient of the 2017 Ellipse Award.