ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This program will explore the history and future of Pennsylvania’s industry, business, finance, and economic growth, with a focus on Philadelphia’s role as a gateway to the world. By examining the city’s and region’s economic engine, the program will demonstrate how regional industries are connected to global markets and how infrastructure plays a critical role in driving economic opportunity.
This is a free program.
Meet the Moderator & Panelists
Lauren Swartz, President and CEO, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia
Lauren is the President & CEO of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, the region’s largest and longest-running international nonprofit. World Affairs opens doors between Philadelphia and the world. From powerful speaker events and international exchanges to youth education, to professional development and curated travel programs, this is where continents, cultures, and ideas connect.
Previously, she was Deputy Commerce Director of International Business & Global Strategy for the City of Philadelphia. With a focus on global business attraction, foreign direct investment, and promoting exports, her work created jobs and strengthened the local economy. She crafted the global strategy for Philadelphia and hosted thousands of delegations, diplomats, businesses and investors.
Lauren has also served as the Deputy Director at the trade association, Food Export USA – Northeast, promoting U.S. exports in over 40 countries. Lauren has experience running her own consulting firm specializing in international project management and food marketing. She has lived and worked abroad in Copenhagen and London.
Lauren is the Honorary Consul of Sweden for Pennsylvania. Lauren serves as a Board Member for the following organizations: Leadership Philadelphia; Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Satell Institute, and Global Philadelphia Association. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum, Sunday Breakfast Club and the Forum of Executive Women. She also serves on Pennsylvania Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. She earned a B.A. in Communications at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College with minors in Business Economics, Spanish and Philosophy. Lauren is an accomplished speaker at conferences and events around the world. Awards include: 2023 City & State Above & Beyond, 2023 Titan 100, 2023 Philadelphia Business Journal Women of Influence, 2019 “40 Under 40” from the Philadelphia Business Journal and Temple University’s Fox School of Business International Business Partner of the Year in 2016-2017.
Joseph Berquist, Chief Executive Officer and President, Quaker Houghton
Joseph A. Berquist was named Chief Executive Officer and President of Quaker Houghton and appointed to the Board as a director in November 2024.
Mr. Berquist, who has been employed by the Company since 1997, most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer from January 2023 until November 2024. Prior to that role, Mr. Berquist served as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Managing Director, Global Specialty Businesses, from September 2021 through December 2022. Additionally, he served as Interim Managing Director of EMEA, from August 2022 through December 2022. Prior to his appointment to Executive Vice President, Mr. Berquist served as Senior Vice President, Global Specialty Businesses and Chief Strategy Officer from August 2019 until September 2021. Throughout his tenure at the Company, Mr. Berquist has served in various leadership positions of increasing responsibility across the entirety of the business. Mr. Berquist holds a B.E. in chemical engineering from Youngstown State University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University.
Aaron Suh, Partner, Co-Lead-Global M&A, Morgan Lewis LLP
As co-leader of Morgan Lewis’s global M&A practice, Aaron D. Suh serves as a trusted adviser to public companies, private equity sponsors, private firms, and sovereign wealth funds in the structuring and negotiating of their domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, majority and minority investments, corporate venture investments, divestitures, spin-offs, joint ventures, and corporate governance matters. His clients come from a broad array of industries, including high tech, security, telecommunications, retail, SaaS, artificial intelligence, public safety, life sciences, pharmaceutical, healthcare providers, financial services, specialty lending, food and beverage/spirits, and energy.
Aaron has been recognized by local, regional and national publications for his work and client service abilities. He is listed as a recommended lawyer by The Legal 500 US 2020 for his work in M&A in the United States. He was recently selected as a Most Effective Deal Maker by The Legal Intelligencer, as well as named Best of the Bar for Corporate by the Philadelphia Business Journal. In addition, Aaron has served as a board fellow for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and maintains an active pro bono practice focused on strengthening corporate governance for small non-profit organizations in the greater Philadelphia area.
Cesar Marchese, Vice President of PHL Operations at American Airlines
Cesar Marchese serves as the Vice President of PHL Operations at American. He leads the airline’s transatlantic gateway using a unique and insightful perspective that has developed throughout his 26 years at American.
Born and raised in the vibrant metropolis of São Paulo, Brazil, Cesar’s journey into the world of aviation began in 1999 when he first joined American as an agent in the São Paulo (GRU) Baggage Service Office. Throughout the years, Cesar went on to serve in various roles of increasing leadership across American’s international network and various hubs.
Most recently, Cesar was Managing Director of Customer Operations for the airline’s second-largest hub in Charlotte. Prior to that, he served as Managing Director of Customer Operations for American’s Miami hub and Latin American gateway. Before moving to American’s U.S. hub operations, Cesar was Director of Operations for American at London Heathrow (LHR) — one of the most connected international airports in the world — where he managed operations across various European regions, including United Kingdom and Ireland.
Throughout his career, Cesar has cultivated a deep understanding of the intricacies of international travel and diverse cultural landscapes. Cesar holds a bachelor’s degree from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, as well as a Master of Business degree from Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing in Brazil.
Event sponsors
Special thanks to Mike Jackson, SJU ’71
Event Partners
