Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
D. Jeffry Benoliel Named New Chair of Free Library Foundation Board of Directors
PHILADELPHIA, June 17, 2021—The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is pleased to announce that D. Jeffry Benoliel is the newly appointed Chair of its Board of Directors. He is a long-time Free Library supporter and advocate and has been on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for the past five years.
The Foundation and its Board of Directors thank outgoing Chair Barbara Sutherland as she concludes her tenure of three years, during which she led the Board through numerous initiatives including the renovation of the former stacks at the Parkway Central Library, which led to bold new public spaces such as the Heim Center and a revitalized Business Resource and Information Center. More importantly, during this past year, she has worked tirelessly with Free Library leadership to target the Foundation’s support for critical needs, particularly those focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Mr. Benoliel recently retired from Quaker Chemical Corporation where he held numerous executive roles over his tenure including oversight of strategic planning, leader of certain global business units, head of global R&D and marketing, general counsel and corporate secretary. Before that, he was a partner at Fox, Rothschild, O’Brien & Frankel, LLP.
“I am excited to welcome Jeffry Benoliel as the new Chair of our Foundation Board of Directors,” said David Edwards, Interim CEO of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. “His dedication and expertise will help guide the Foundation as it continues to bolster and be an advocate for the critical work being done by the Free Library, as well as lift up the invaluable collections available for our community.”
Mr. Benoliel joined the Free Library Foundation Board in 2016 and was elected Vice Chair in 2018. He has also served on boards for Hanwha Solar Energy America, international Quaker Joint Ventures, and the Philadelphia History Museum, of which he is a Past President.
Mr. Benoliel has a Bachelor of Arts from Hobart College and a Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law. He currently resides with his family in Wyndmoor, PA.
In addition to Mr. Benoliel’s election as Chair, the following slate of officers was elected by the Board of Directors: Jude Tuma, First Vice Chair; Lynn Charytan, Second Vice Chair; James Biles, Treasurer; and Rich Greenawalt, Secretary.
06/17/2021
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850