Keith Leaphart

Keith Leaphart (born February 9, 1975) is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist and physician. Leaphart is the Chair of the Lenfest Foundation, CEO of Replica Creative and founder of Philanthropi, a fintech company.

Keith Leaphart
Born (1975-02-09) February 9, 1975
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
EducationHampton University (BS)
Saint Joseph's University (MBA)
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
OccupationEntrepreneur
philanthropist
physician
Spouse(s)Ebonne Ruffins
Children2

Early life

Leaphart was born and raised in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia by his mother, Etheyln, who worked as an administrative assistant at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Leaphart's father, Frank, worked as an electrician and left when Leaphart was a baby, but the two remained close.[1] Starting at the age of 10, Leaphart was used by drug dealers as a runner, but by age 12, Leaphart had become a Paperboy.[2] As part of a desegregation program, Leaphart and his sister were bused to an elementary school in Northeast Philly. Leaphart was a student in the School District of Philadelphia and graduated from Central High School.[3]

Leaphart received a scholarship to attend Hampton University where he graduated in 1996 with a degree in biology. In 2003, he graduated from Saint Joseph's University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine with a dual degree.[4] He served as an administrative intern at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and served his residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.[5] Upon graduation, Leaphart worked as a long-term substitute at George Washington Carver High School for Engineering and Science.

Career

Upon completing his residency, Leaphart aimed to become the CEO of a hospital. However, he had already founded a successful cleaning company while in medical school. While running the cleaning company, Leaphart was cleaning the office of Philadelphia billionaire and philanthropist, Gerry Lenfest. They then became good friends and business partners.[6]

In 2007, Leaphart explored running for Congress and had an exploratory committee funded by Lenfest. However, Leaphart opted not to run and instead focused on ways the private sector can help Philadelphians.[7] Leaphart served as an executive on loan to the city of Philadelphia where he advised Mayor Michael Nutter on programming to help men who had served time in jail.[8]

With a loan from Lenfest, Leaphart bought Replica Creative, a design and print firm, in 2009. He turned the company into a leading competitor in the digital economy and Replica Creative was recognized as a leading small business in Philadelphia by Mayor Michael Nutter.[9][10]

Since 2013, Leaphart has served as the chair of the Lenfest Foundation, where he works to help disadvantaged youth in Philadelphia.[11] Similarly, Leaphart serves on the board of the Philadelphia Media Network, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitor Bureau and Comcast's external Joint Diversity Advisory Council.[12]

Leaphart's accomplishments in helping Philadelphia's youth and local economy were recognized when he was awarded the Vision for Philadelphia Award in 2013.[13]

In 2018, Leaphart launched Philanthropi, a fintech company that helps donors track their charitable contributions and find new charitable causes to support.[14]

Personal life

Leaphart is still a licensed physician and works at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital during the nights and weekends. He lives in Overbrook Farms, Philadelphia and has two sons.[15][16]

References

  1. "Why Lenfest protege Keith Leaphart fights for at-risk youth". Generocity.org. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  2. "Learning to Be Useful: A Wise Giver's Guide to Supporting Career and Technical Education". Philanthropy Roundtable. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  3. "Replica Creative-Keith Leaphart". Replica Creative. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  4. "Keith Leaphart, D.O. MBA '01". Saint Joseph's University. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  5. "Meet A Brother Making A Difference, Dr. Keith Leaphart". Ask G Mills. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  6. "H.F. Lenfest Made Fortune on Cable, Then Focused on Giving Most of It Away". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  7. "Local protege reflects on legacy of Gerry Lenfest". Philadelphia Tribune. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  8. "Lenfest protege's next role". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  9. "An interview with Keith Leaphart of Replica Creative". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  10. "Removable Wall Décor: Keith Leaphart's Replica Creative". Main Line Today. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  11. "Keith Leaphart". Lenfest Institute. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  12. "Meet Keith Leaphart, 21st century polymath and entrepreneur extraordinaire". Flying Kite Media. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  13. "2013 Vision for Philadelphia Award". Philadelphia Magazine. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  14. "New startup allows people to track their charitable efforts". Philadelphia Tribune. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  15. "CEO File: Dr. Keith Leaphart". Philadelphia Business Journal. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  16. "Kimmel Center Board of Directors Welcomes Four New Board Members 12/7". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
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