Lewis Wendell: University City District Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the University City District (UCD) has appointed Lewis C. Wendell as Executive Director for the seven-year-old special services district.

Mr. Wendell joined  UCD on March 7 after serving as deputy commissioner of development for the City of New Rochelle, New York since 2000. He presided over significant public-private redevelopment projects including urban design, planning, housing, transportation and retail. Prior to this position he operated a consulting practice in community and economic development.

As executive director of the UCD Mr. Wendell will oversee UCD’s mission to enhance the quality of life in the community through its many programs in planning, marketing, public space maintenance and economic development. He will direct a staff of 75 and manage an annual budget of $5.7 million.

“After a national search and screening a strong application pool from urban planning and public policy backgrounds, we selected Lewis Wendell to lead UCD based on his deep experience in community and economic development and his skills working in both the public and private sectors,” said Omar Blaik, chairman of the UCD Board. “The Board was delighted to find a leader who brings a wealth of experience, a deep belief in community involvement, and a great commitment to UCD’s mission.”

Mr. Wendell said, “I am excited about the opportunity to serve as executive director for UCD and lead an organization that has been instrumental in the revitalization of University City. I look forward to building solid relationships with the Philadelphia community and to build upon the extraordinary success of UCD while continuing to improve the quality of life in University City.”