Two of Temple University’s chief leaders were voted the region’s Most Admired CEOs in education and healthcare by readers of Philadelphia Business Journal.

Neil D. Theobald, Temple’s president, and Larry R. Kaiser, president and CEO of Temple University Health System, dean of the School of Medicine and senior executive vice president of health sciences for Temple University, were recognized at an awards ceremony on Tuesday evening.

Theobald, who became president in January 2013, was one of five awardees in the education category. He received the most votes in that category, earning him the Public Choice award.

“I am deeply humbled by this honor. This award reflects the admiration that Philadelphians have for Temple’s mission,” Theobald said. “The recognition I’ve received is a testament to the amazing faculty and staff of Temple University, as well as our dynamic, hardworking students.”

Kaiser was the Public Choice winner in the healthcare category.

"I am honored to have been named by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the “Most Admired CEOs” in the healthcare category, as well as having earned sufficient online votes to also garner the “Public Choice Winner” award in that same category," said Kaiser. "Of course, such recognitions—along with the similar distinctions earned by Dr. Theobald in the education category—are but a reflection of the world-class stature of Temple University and its Health System and School of Medicine. I think I speak for Dr. Theobald and myself when saying how very proud we are to lead and represent the  Trustees, faculty, staff and students of the  Temple community;  and we sincerely appreciate their outstanding efforts and continuing support.”   

Theobald and Kaiser were not Temple’s only winners. Trustee Jay H. Shah, LAW ’95, FOX ’95, was named a Most Admired CEO in real estate. Shah is CEO of Hersha Hospitality Trust.

Alumni Stephen Starr, SMC ’76, and Abe Reich, LAW ’74, were also honored. Starr, owner of STARR Restaurants, was recognized in the hospitality/tourism category, Reich, co-chair of Fox Rothschild LLP, in the professional services category.

The Most Admired CEO awards recognize the region’s leading executives. A total of 50 executives were recognized in 10 categories.

“This region is fortunate to have many outstanding leaders in the C-suite,” said Lyn Kremer, publisher of the Philadelphia Business Journal. “We are honored to have this occasion to shine the spotlight on these 50 executives who embody those leadership qualities that are most revered.”