July 17, 2024
Provided Image/Drexel University
Denis O'Brien was named interim president of Drexel University on Tuesday. He graduated from the LeBow College of Business with an MBA in 1987 and has been a member of the board of trustees for 20 years.
Drexel University appointed Denis O'Brien as interim president Tuesday following the departure of John Fry, who announced earlier this month that he will be the new president of Temple University.
O'Brien graduated from Drexel's LeBow College of Business with an MBA in 1987 and has been a member of the board of trustees for 20 years. Fry, who was president of the university since 2010, said he would depart once the school selects his successor.
O'Brien spent his career working in the energy sector, most recently serving as the senior vice president and CEO of Exelon Utilities from 2012 to 2020. Prior to that, he held a number of roles at PECO, including working as the president and CEO for eight years, and was key in the transition during the merger between Exelon and PECO.
Additionally, O'Brien served on multiple boards, including WHYY, the Franklin Institute and the Electric Power Research Institute. He also chaired the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.
"Having the pleasure of getting to know Denis well throughout the years, I can assure you: Drexel is extremely fortunate to have his expertise and thoughtful leadership during this important transitionary moment," Richard Greenawalt, chair of Drexel's board of trustees, said in a statement.
The nominating and governance committee also approved trustee Mike Lawrie as the chair of the presidential search committee. The announcement from Drexel said more information on finding a permanent replacement, including naming the search committee, is forthcoming. The committee will include trustees, faculty members, alumni and administrators.
Fry will step in at Temple after several recent changes at president. Jason Wingard was named president in 2021 but stepped down after less than two years when faced with a no-confidence vote. He was replaced by acting President JoAnne Epps, who died in September. Former President Richard Englert, who initially served as president from 2016 to 2021, has been serving as interim president since her death.
