
University City District:
Parent Organization
University City District is a partnership of world-renowned anchor institutions, small businesses, and residents that creates opportunity, and improves economic vitality and quality of life in the University City area of West Philadelphia. UCD’s primary mission is community revitalization. We work within a place-based, data-driven framework to invest in world-class public spaces, address crime and public safety, bring life to commercial corridors, connect residents to careers, and promote job growth and innovation.

Our Team

Matt Bergheiser
President of University City District
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Matt leads University City District (UCD), a partnership of anchor institutions, business leaders, and community groups invested in the shared vitality of the 2.4 square mile area of Philadelphia.

A.J. Adams
Manager of Partner Services
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A.J. is responsible for developing and executing all workforce programming at the Navy Yard while strengthening WPSIās partnership with PIDC as a part of the strategic vision to grow WPSI’s impact through expanding its geographic reach.Ā

Patrick Bayer
Senior Manager of Economic Development and Analysis
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Patrick oversees WPSI’s data systems, and works to assess the programās overall effectiveness through the development of formal evaluation metrics.

Lauren Bishop
Senior Manager of Employer Services
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Lauren is responsible for maintaining and growing WPSIās employer relationships, supporting targeted recruitment efforts, and lending her expertise to grow our impact within our employer partnersā organizations.

Morris Burns
Manager of Applicant Experience
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Morris provides direct support to program applicants, guiding them through the application process, and identifying areas for improvement to make the process more efficient and equitable.

Caitlin Garozzo
Executive Director
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Cait designs and manages the WPSI participant experience both during and after the program.

Fontaine Gutierrez
Manager of Outreach and Communications
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Fontaine works across the team to increase the effectiveness of WPSIās business practices.

Joshua Park
Senior Manager of Strategy and Partnerships
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Josh fosters WPSIās relationships with employers, funders, and other workforce organizations to open new career pathway opportunities for talent across Philadelphia.

Jazzmin Prosper
Manager of Continuing Development
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Jazzmin manages the Pathway to Promotion program along with WPSI Scholars.Ā

Dr. Romaine Thrower, Ed.D
Director of Programs
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Romaine serves as an expert on instructional design methodologies that allows her plan, implement, and supervise key aspects of WPSIās nationally recognized job training program.
Funders
- Lenfest Foundation
- JPMorgan Chase
- Bank of America
- Citizens Bank
- Connelly Foundation
- Lincoln Financial Foundation
- LISC Philly
- Pew Charitable Trusts
- United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey
- William Penn Foundation
