University City District announces new director

One down, nine to go.

The University City District, a neighborhood improvement organization in an area of West Philadelphia, announced the appointment of Matthew Bergheiser as its new executive director Friday.

That leaves nine high-profile jobs at regional nonprofit organizations still unfilled this year. They include top posts at Philadelphia International Airport, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Museum of Art, National Constitution Center, Independence Visitor Center, and the Battleship New Jersey in Camden.

Besides needing a chief executive officer, the orchestra also is looking for a music director.

And last month, Jane Pepper announced she was retiring as head of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Bergheiser, 39, who steps into his new role at the UCD on July 1, will oversee more than 85 administrative, public safety, and maintenance employees, and an annual budget of more than $9 million.

Craig Carnaroli, chairman of the UCD's board of directors, described Bergheiser as having "a unique set of skills in urban development, community relations, management strategic planning, and fund-raising."

Bergheiser previously was regional director of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in Philadelphia, where, since 2006, he managed an annual grant-making budget of $6 million. He is credited with opening the foundation's Philadelphia office and forming its advisory board and investment strategy.