Bill was raised in Philadelphia where his grandfather operated a greenhouse and plant nursery business. His appreciation for plants and their positive impact in an urban environment was established at an early age.
His interest in horticulture and agriculture continued through high school where he was class president for his four years at W.B. Saul High School.
He has an A.S. (Horticulture), B.S. and M.Ed (Park and Recreation Management) from Temple University.
He recognized the value of protecting and preserving natural resources in Philadelphia and spent thirty- eight years working for the City of Philadelphia in various leadership positions. During his tenure he reported directly to five Philadelphia Mayors and as Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Commission for 14 years reported concurrently to F.( Fitz) Eugene Dixon who was Board Chairman of the Commission. During his tenure at the Fairmount Park Commission he collaborated with Ralph Bartholomew then the Principal of W.B. Saul High School in acquiring a 70 acre working farm on the borderline of Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties. The Fox Chase Farm continues to operate today by the Fairmount Park Commission and the School District of Philadelphia as a working model farm.
On July 1, 2007 Bill assumed the position of Executive Director of Philadelphia Hospitality, Inc. This 501- C -3 organizations’ mission is to promote the Philadelphia Region as a world class destination. The organization works closely with cultural, tourism and hospitality organizations as well as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia.
Bill serves on many non profit boards in the region. A partial list of current membership in addition to PSPA includes:
- Citizens Advisory Council, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Temple University, Ambler College of Environmental Design
- Fort Mifflin on the Delaware
- Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
- Pennsylvania Parks and Forestry Foundation
- Men’s Garden Club of Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Visitors Convention Bureau and the Philadelphia Sports Congress
- Former member of the Philadelphia Cooperative Extension Service
- Former Trustee Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
He has received numerous awards and honors for his accomplishments, dedication and commitment to improving our natural environment, historical and cultural sites and recreational opportunities in urban areas.
Bill lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Sally. They have two children and four grandchildren.