Jeffrey D. Cardwell was born and raised in Philadelphia, educated in its public school system and graduated from Temple University. His education is varied with a BA in Geography and Urban Studies, with additional studies in Political Science, Landscape Architect, Recreation Management and Real Estate.

His career in city government started out in 1988 as an Urban Park Ranger which led to 13 years in the Fairmount Park System with a wide range of duties running the gamut from foot patrol to an interpretive educator of the history and environment to horse and bike mounted patrol to his final duties as a district supervisor.

In 2001 he left the park to accept a promotion to become the Assistant to the Commissioner of the Department of Recreation. In this position, Jeffrey aided the Commissioner of Recreation with the day to day operation of the Recreation Department. Within four years he received another promotion to the position of Assistant Deputy Commissioner within that same department. In addition to his previous duties Jeffrey became responsible for the management of an outdoor amphitheater, its staff of 150 personnel and the department's property management system.

In May 2006 he left the Department of Recreation to accept a promotion with the Department of Public Property as the Deputy Commissioner. As the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Property Jeffrey directs and manages the Fiscal Unit, Human Resources Unit and the City's Real Estate Division.

Certifications
•  Philadelphia Police Equestrian Mounted Certification
•  United Way Young Leaders Program Board Orientation Program

Professional Affiliations & Special Interests
•  Pennsylvania Park and Recreation Society
•  National Recreation and Park Association
•  United Way
•  Urban League of Philadelphia

Volunteer Experience
Pennsylvania Service Corps, Harrisburg , Pa March 1993 - March 1995

Inaugural Member
Participated in a national demonstration project designed to promote community service across the country in four major areas: public safety, education, health, and the environment.