Mt. Airy USA’s Anuj Gupta to head up Reading Terminal Market

After four and a half years at the helm of community development corporation Mt. Airy USA, Anuj Gupta announced he will be heading to Philadelphia’s iconic Reading Terminal Market. 

Gupta’s first day at the market will be June 15. 

“It’s rare to find a public market or a public space, for that matter, that caters so well to a diversity of people and interests,” he said of Reading Terminal. “It’s a pure Philadelphia icon.”

The search for a new general manager began in January after the market’s previous general manager, Paul Steinke, resigned to run for a Philadelphia City Council at-large seat. 

“We conducted a thorough, national search to find the individual best suited to lead the market as it continues to play an important role in the lives of millions of Philadelphians, residents of the surrounding suburbs and visitors alike,” said Albert Mezzaroba, Chairman of the Board of the Reading Terminal Market Corporation.

Gupta said after an extensive interview process, he was offered the position early last week. 

He said his goals include continuing to grow the market’s viability by seeking ways to better handle capacity, by making it a competitive place for Philadelphians to shop and further developing its delivery options. 

Mt. Airy USA’s Director of Real Estate Development Brad Copeland and Director of Development and Education Partnership Abby Thaker will co-lead the Mt. Airy USA on an interim basis while the organization’s board begins the search for a permanent replacement.

Under Gupta’s leadership, Mt. Airy USA spearheaded numerous initiatives including an annual Mt. Airy night market, the launch of a neighborhood-wide schools support coalition, the creation of a second Wissahickon Charter School campus and the revitalization of the 6500 to 6700 blocks of Germantown Avenue.

“Over the past five years, Anuj has brought us to a place where our mission is focused, our staff is exceptional, our finances are strong and our impact continually grow,” said Mt. Airy USA Board Chair Howard Treatman.

Gupta, who lives in Mt. Airy with his family, said he will remain involved in the community. 

“Now I get to go to our events and enjoy them with my kids,” he said.