Fairmount Park Conservancy is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony “Tony” Sorrentino as its new Chief Executive Officer!
A highly respected leader with deep roots in civic engagement, urban planning, and strategic communications, Tony brings more than 25 years of experience advancing transformative initiatives across Philadelphia’s cultural, academic, and nonprofit sectors. His first day as CEO will be October 27, 2025.
Tony joins the Conservancy following a distinguished career at the University of Pennsylvania, where he most recently served as Associate Vice President in the Office of the Executive Vice President. At Penn, he led multidisciplinary teams in developing and executing strategic plans, communications campaigns, and community partnerships that strengthened Penn’s role as a national model for anchor institution impact. His leadership was instrumental in launching major initiatives such as Pennovation Works, a technology incubator that reimagined the former Dupont Marshall Labs, and Penn Connects, a 30-year campus development plan. Tony also spearheaded the “Penn & Philly” campaign, showcasing the university’s socioeconomic impact on the city, and contributed to Penn’s Climate Action Plan and sustainability efforts.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tony Sorrentino to lead Fairmount Park Conservancy at this exciting time in the organization’s evolution,” said Carol Eicher, Fairmount Park Conservancy Board Chair. “Tony’s proven ability to build partnerships, drive innovation, and embrace diverse stakeholders will be invaluable in advancing our mission to make Philadelphia’s parks accessible and relevant for all. We are confident he is the right choice to drive the Conservancy’s evolution as a model for inclusive, resilient, and vibrant public spaces.”
“I am honored to join the Fairmount Park Conservancy and to serve the city I love,” said Tony Sorrentino. “Philadelphia’s parks are among the city’s most cherished public assets, and essential for the health and well-being of our entire region. I look forward to working with the talented Conservancy team, our partners, and community members to ensure these treasured spaces thrive for generations to come.”
Tim Clair, who has been serving as the Interim CEO of the Conservancy since October 2024, will continue as the Interim CEO until Tony begins. Tim will then resume his former role of Interim Chief Financial Officer.
A lifelong Philadelphian, Tony’s career has spanned leadership roles at the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, The Franklin Institute Science Museum, and numerous nonprofit boards and committees. He has been recognized with Penn’s Models of Excellence awards and was named one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” future leaders. Tony’s commitment to community extends beyond his professional work. He has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including Visit Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Medicine for the City, from University of Pennsylvania Press, about how academic medical districts break boundaries in healthcare and drive economic growth, using Philadelphia as a case study.
Tony holds a Master of City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design and a Bachelor of Arts from La Salle University. He resides in Chestnut Hill with his family and has long been active in Philadelphia’s civic life.
