PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With a year to go before 2026, Philadelphia Visitor Center CEO Kathryn Ott Lovell is also taking the reins of Philadelphia250, the nonprofit coordinating the city's plans for the Semiquincentennial.
Michael Newmuis, the 2026 director for the City of Philadelphia, said Ott Lovell's experience at the Visitor Center coupled with her skills as a fundraiser and a former Parks and Recreation Commissioner made her the right choice to put all of the 2026 efforts on the same page.
"Because Philadelphia250 is a discrete project with a discrete expiration date, we really needed someone who could just drive this project forward," Newmuis told KYW Newsradio, adding that her dual role borrows from the state's approach to the Semiquincentennial.
"America250PA relies on the Visitor Center to provide all of their back-office support," Newmuis said. "Kathryn, being an incredible fundraiser, being a leader who can really drive forward results quickly is a perfect choice to help move this thing forward."
In addition to community celebrations, 2026 will also bring the Major League Baseball All-Star game and FIFA World Cup soccer to Philadelphia. Newmuis said the philanthropic sector has raised $14 million as the city and state draw-up budgets to prepare for the public safety and infrastructure needs for the yearlong celebration.
Ott Lovell replaces Danielle DiLeo Kim, who resigned last month after more than five years at Philadelphia250 to lead the American Institute of Architects.
Ott Lovell was unavailable for an interview.