Wadell Ridley Jr. is the assistant vice president for government and community relations at Saint Joseph’s University.
Wadell previously served as the executive director for the Mayor’s Office of Community Services now referred to as Mayor's Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity, which provides social services, programs, and resources to thousands of low-income Philadelphia residents.
Wadell also served as director of constituent services and community liaison for former 4th District City Councilman and former Mayor Michael A. Nutter for 14 years, and in that time represented the Councilman at community meetings and zoning hearings. His involvement in the West Philadelphia portion of the 4th District gave him significant contact with Saint Joseph's University, working with past government and community relations administrators.
Wadell and his family have resided in Wynnefield, six blocks from campus, for nearly 50 years; he also attended Saint Joseph's Preparatory School, where he currently serves on the Board of Trustees, and is a founding member of the Prep's African American Alumni Association, also known as A4, which also provides mentoring to students of color. He currently serves on the Mayor’s Commission of African American Men.
