Reed Smith Partner Key to Planning of 100th Anniversary Initiatives in 2009
(Philadelphia, PA, January 31, 2008) The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization promoting sound public policy and regional prosperity, has elected Reed Smith partner John F. Smith, III to be its Vice Chair.
“John has been a dedicated member of our organization for more than 20 years, and we are delighted to have him in this important leadership position,” said Economy League Executive Director Steven T. Wray.
The Economy League is recognized as one of the top business-led civic organizations in the Philadelphia region. It is dedicated to strengthening and developing Greater Philadelphia’s world-class assets and identifying what it takes to compete in the global economy. Its 60+-member board is comprised of the leaders of national and regional organizations across a wide range of industry sectors who care about the future of the region.
During his one-year term, the Vice Chair supports the Economy League’s Chair, James R. Waddington, Jr., Chief of Staff for Lockheed Martin in King of Prussia, PA and is responsible for leading the 10-member Management Committee.
“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.”
John Smith is passionate about Philadelphia, and over the years has taken an active role in numerous nonprofit organizations. He is currently 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.
In addition to his commercial law practice, John has undertaken many significant responsibilities at Reed Smith LLP. He has been the Chancellor of Reed Smith University since 2004, a firm-wide initiative of professional development and continuing education developed in conjunction with The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. John previously served for 11 years as a member of Reed Smith’s Executive Committee.
“Giving back to the community has always been part of the firm’s core mission,” said Claudia Springer, Managing Partner of the Philadelphia office. “John exemplifies that and we congratulate him on his election to a leadership position with the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia.”
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, with more than 1,600 lawyers in 23 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its attorneys provide litigation services in multi-jurisdictional matters and other high stake disputes, deliver regulatory counsel, and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising and media, shipping, international trade and commodities, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
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About the 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. For more information, visit www.EconomyLeague.org.