The Chamber Names Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, CEO of Jefferson, as Incoming Chair of the Board of Directors

Cacchione will assume the role of Board Chair on October 15

PHILADELPHIA, PA -The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (the Chamber) today announced that Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jefferson, has been named incoming Chair of its Board of Directors. He will formally assume the role on October 15, 2026, succeeding Christopher H. Franklin, Chairman and CEO of Essential Utilities.

As the first doctor and first CEO of a major health system in this role, Cacchione will lead the Board as the Chamber continues to strengthen its role as the region's leading convener and advocate for the business community. His leadership comes at an important time as the Chamber works to improve the region's competitiveness, drive economic growth, expand opportunity for residents, and position Greater Philadelphia as a top global destination for business.

Since joining the Chamber's Board of Directors in 2022, Cacchione has played an active role in advancing the organization's policy and economic growth agenda, including serving as Chair of the Board's Policy Committee.

Franklin, who has served as Board Chair since 2025, helped lead the Chamber through a period of significant growth and regional engagement, including securing regional transportation funding, amplifying regional assets, and playing a vital role in the launch of the Greater Philadelphia Growth Partnership.

"I'm honored to serve the Chamber and Greater Philadelphia's business community in this new capacity," said Cacchione. "Our region has tremendous strengths and even greater potential when business, government and civic leaders work together. I look forward to working with Chamber members and leaders across the 11-county region to realize that potential, grow jobs and investment, and create more opportunity for residents and businesses."

Before joining Jefferson, Cacchione served as Executive Vice President of Clinical and Network Services for Ascension, a $28 billion organization with 165,000 employees, 145 hospitals and more than 2,600 care sites across 19 states and the District of Columbia. He previously served as CEO of Ascension Michigan, overseeing 15 hospitals and 22,000 employees.

"As the leader of one of the region's largest health systems, Joe brings an important perspective on our economy, our workforce and the opportunities ahead for Greater Philadelphia," said Chellie Cameron, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. "He has already played a significant role in shaping the Chamber's direction, and his leadership as Board Chair will help us accelerate our work to make Greater Philadelphia a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth."

"Joe brings deep leadership experience, and he understands what this region needs to keep growing," said Franklin. "It has been an honor to serve as Chair this past year, and I'm proud of what we accomplished together on our regional growth agenda."

Cacchione earned his Doctor of Medicine from Hahnemann University and his Bachelor of Science degree from Gannon University. He completed his residency and internship in internal medicine at Case Western Reserve University and his residency in cardiology at the University of Rochester, followed by a Cardiac Research and Interventional Fellowship at Case Western Reserve. He is Board Certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology.

Learn more about our Board here.

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About the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia works together with members, investors, and stakeholders, to realize our bold vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth. As the metro-regional chamber of commerce serving the 11-county, tri-state Greater Philadelphia region, we are the premier organization to convene and connect business, government and civic leaders to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.

Media Contact:

Shannon McLaughlin, [email protected],
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia