from Wawa, Vanguard, CTDI and CHOP
Executive Insights: A Panel of Visionary CEOs
WEST CHESTER, PA – March 14, 2025 – CEOs from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), CTDI, Vanguard and Wawa spoke before an audience of almost 550 business leaders, policy makers, educators, and community stakeholders on Friday to pinpoint the pivotal issues shaping Southeastern Pennsylvania’s economy and future.
It was the first time that four of Chester County’s prominent organizations jointly hosted the milestone gathering of industry leaders. Presented by the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI), Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) and West Chester University, “A Panel of Visionary CEOs” was moderated by 6abc’s Tamala Edwards on critical issues including economic growth, workforce development, sustainability, education, transportation and corporate responsibility.
Fielding impromptu questions from Edwards while seated on the stage at WCU’s Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall were Chris Gheysens, Chairman and CEO of Wawa; Salim Ramji, CEO of Vanguard; Leo Parsons, President and CEO of CTDI; and Madeline Bell, President and CEO of CHOP.
“CCEDC is proud to be part of the partnership that is bringing this important conversation to our business community, and we are honored to feature influential CEOs from four of our region’s most recognizable and global companies,” said Mike Grigalonis, President and COO of CCEDC. “The thoughtful dialogue provided businesses, educators and policymakers from across the region with important perspectives to plan for 2025 and beyond.”
Key issues covered included:
- Economic Growth and Regional Impact – Insights into how these organizations are shaping the region’s economy through innovation and strategic leadership.
- Workforce Development – Strategies for addressing workforce challenges and fostering talent pipelines.
- Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility – How businesses are integrating sustainability and community impact into their operations.
- Education and Transportation – The role of partnerships with educational institutions and transportation infrastructure in supporting business and community growth.
“This event exemplified the power of collaboration in Chester County,” said Laura Manion, President of CCCBI. “Uniting these four organizations alongside such a distinctive panel of CEOs highlights our collective dedication to advancing economic growth, sparking innovation and equipping our workforce to meet the opportunities and demands of the future.”
Drawing on Wawa’s 200+ year history in business in the U.S., Wawa Chairman and CEO Chris Gheysens projected that over the next several years, Wawa will invest in all of its communities with new store growth, including its existing core markets throughout the Mid-Atlantic and also by entering new markets. The growth and new stores will create new jobs as well as opportunities for associates to grow and soar in their careers with Wawa. Gheysens says Wawa currently employs more than 47,000 associates, including more than 12,000 in Pennsylvania.
As Vanguard celebrates its 50th anniversary later this year, Vanguard CEO Salim Ramji referenced the company’s proud roots in Valley Forge. He noted that Vanguard continues to be the largest employer in Chester County and one of the largest employers in Pennsylvania, employing more than 10,000 crew locally in 2024. Earlier this year, Vanguard saved investors more than $350 million through its largest expense ratio reduction ever. Pushing forward, the company aims to continue to deliver on its mission to give investors the best chance for investment success by providing high-quality, low-cost investment products and advice, as well as an intuitive, technology-driven client experience.
CHOP is the 12th-largest employer in Pennsylvania and one of the biggest economic engines in the region, according to CHOP President and CEO Madeline Bell, who noted that the hospital is making investments in reducing burnout and improving employee well-being, as well as providing more than 100 community-based programs that enable healthier families, stronger schools, thriving neighborhoods and successful businesses. CHOP is also partnering with Mastery Hardy Williams High School in West Philadelphia to train students for careers in clinical care, hospital operations and healthcare administration.
Completing the panel was CTDI’s President and CEO Leo Parsons. CTDI is a full-service, global engineering, repair and logistics company that provides best-cost solutions to the communications industry. With corporate headquarters in West Chester, PA, the company supports an expanding customer base with over 20,000 associates in over 100 facilities worldwide. The company was founded in 1975 and provides a dynamic business model to global customers, which include major telecom carriers, cable and broadband service providers, and major OEMs.
