An esteemed board member of Drexel University’s Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, Stan Silverman is an exceptional figure in the world of business. As a former CEO, nationally syndicated columnist, and an acclaimed thought leader, he’s incredibly influential, not only in the technical components of his field, but also in leadership and mentorship.
In addition to his role on the Close School’s board, Silverman is the vice chairman of the board of trustees at Drexel University and was formerly chairman of the board for Drexel University’s College of Medicine. Silverman is a graduate of Drexel University himself, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering and a MBA degree. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
A Valuable Voice
Silverman’s core mission is to help others be successful, driving the creation of his eponymous website, Silverman Leadership, that is brimming with resources and insights for current and aspiring business professionals. He covers a wide range of trending topics on the site, which features articles published in the award-winning Philadelphia Business Journal. These topics range from the benefits of empowering employees rather than micromanaging them, to important takeaways from the latest moves by massive corporations, to the trend of quiet quitting.
In his book titled Be Different! The Key to Business and Career Success, published in November 2019, Silverman dives even deeper into techniques that businesses can use to create competitive advantages for their companies and for themselves.
Supporting the Next Generation
Silvermans’ website and published works are just a few of the many ways he strives to uplift others, personally and professionally. He consistently seeks opportunities to share his discerning wisdom, giving guest lectures on executive leadership at both the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University, where he serves as an executive in residence.
He has a long history of service and philanthropy, particularly to Drexel University and the Close School, leading to his spot on the university’s most distinguished alumni recognition organization, The Drexel 100, as well as the Alumni Association’s highest honor, the A.J. Drexel Paul Award for Service to Alma Mater.
A Wealth of Knowledge and Experience
Silverman’s dynamic expertise is a direct result of his impressive career progression, starting as a process engineer at Atlantic Richfield, which has since been acquired by BP. In 1971, he joined PQ Corporation, a global company operating in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific in two key industries: chemicals and engineered glass materials.
At PQ Corporation, Silverman worked his way up from positions in areas including engineering, operations planning and marketing sales. By January 2000, Silverman was a member of PQ Corporation’s board of directors and was named the company’s president and chief executive officer.
His other previous roles include chairman of the Soap and Detergent Association and member of the faculty of Board Advisory Services of the National Association of Corporate Directors. Silverman also has served as a board member for numerous other public, private, private equity and nonprofit companies.
Today, he continues to build this legacy of pioneering leadership, combined with invaluable wisdom and impactful philanthropy, setting a shining example of harnessing one’s own success to aid others at the Close School.
Look out for From The Board updates from Stan Silverman and follow his work on Silverman Leadership.
