Ex-Wharton prof to serve on state committee

Anderson, an expert in urban economics, is one of five representatives on the newly-formed board. The other four members have each been appointed by the Democratic and Republican leaders in both the state Senate and House of Representatives. These appointees include Carol Carroll, a businesswomen who also has ties to Wharton as a former administrator. The newly-created authority will oversee Philadelphia's finances on the state's behalf, as the city attempts to recover from its current fiscal crisis. A Philadelphia native, Anderson currently manages the Anderson Group, a Center City consulting organization that he started last month. "I have lived in Philadelphia all my life so I definitely have a vested interest in the city and its future," Anderson said this week. Anderson spent fourteen years as Professor of Industry at Wharton after receiving his doctorate in business and applied economics from the school in 1969. He left the University in 1983. From 1987 until this May, Anderson served as managing director of the Urban Affairs Partnership in Philadelphia. He said this position afforded him a chance to study economic forces driving the economic decay of the city he still takes great pride in. In the meantime, before the authority's work begins, Anderson said he considers his appointment is a "high honor" -- one which Governor Robert Casey evidently feels he deserves. "I am delighted a person of Bernard Anderson's experience and stature would assume this very challenging and very important assignment," Casey said in a statement issued Monday. "He brings with him a depth of expertise and insight that will be most valuable to the board in its deliberations."

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