Temple University President Neil D. Theobald announced the appointment of Gennaro J. Leva to the new position of vice president for planning and capital projects. His first day was Nov. 2; Temple trustees approved his appointment at their October meeting.

 

Leva will play a key role in the strategy and management of capital projects across Temple’s campuses. He reports to Kevin G. Clark, Temple’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. Leva joins Temple after 18 years at Drexel University, most recently as senior director of construction planning and management.

 

"Temple University is investing $300 million in new and upgraded facilities as part of our master plan, Visualize Temple,” said the president. "Jerry’s expertise in managing significant university projects that create jobs and generate economic opportunity for area residents make him a perfect fit for Temple. I look forward to his contributions toward our campus renaissance.”

 

An immigrant from the Molise region of Southern Italy, Leva came to America at age 9 and, by age 12, served as a translator for his father, Antonio, who owned a construction firm. Leva worked for his father and then followed in his footsteps, owning his own business that specialized in masonry. The first in his family to attend college, Leva earned a degree in civil engineering from Drexel and made a career there, starting in 1997 as senior project/maintenance manager.

 

He was promoted to director of construction planning and management in 2005 and, three years later, to senior director. He has a history of successfully managing complex project schedules; delivering every project on budget or under budget; negotiating contracts; and managing risks. At Drexel, Leva oversaw more than $600 million worth of projects, including high-profile buildings such as Gerri C. LeBow Hall and the Constantine N. Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building.

 

“With Temple’s state-of-the-art library about to begin construction, and athletics and recreation space planned for the William Penn property, Jerry will be able to make an immediate impact as he helps manage these and other important projects,” Clark said.

 

Leva said he has admired Temple’s building ability and called the university “the next dream of mine.”

 

“Being asked to participate in the wonderful opportunities Temple has and to be involved with this great team of people is truly exciting,” he said.

 

Raised in the Nicetown-Tioga neighborhood of North Philadelphia, Leva currently lives in Bucks County with his wife, Nancy. They have four daughters.