New leader announced at Philadelphia250, as 2026 Semiquincentennial draws near

Philadelphia250, a nonprofit chaired by former Gov. Ed Rendell to help plan Philly’s commemoration of the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026, announced a new leader Friday.

Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corp., will now lead both organizations. The move comes after Danielle DiLeo Kim resigned from her leadership post at Philadelphia250 in December to pursue other opportunities. DiLeo Kim, an architect and urban designer, had led the group, focused primarily on neighborhood initiatives connected to the Semiquincentennial — as the 250th anniversary celebration of American independence is called — since 2019. As part of the move, both groups’ boards will remain intact.

Ott Lovell, who was a longtime commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation before joining the visitor center in 2023, has been a key member of an unofficial cadre of cultural, creative, civic, and philanthropic leaders who have been coordinating events for the celebrations. That group includes tourism and business organizations like Visit Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Welcome America.

“As the birthplace of America, it is important for Philadelphia to create an experience that not only celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, but also ignites the spirit of democracy for the city of Philadelphia, the country and the world,” Rendell said in a statement. “By forming a strategic alliance with the Visitor Center, I am confident Philadelphia250 will continue the incredible momentum we have built.”

At a 2026 preparedness meeting in November, held at the Independence Visitor Center and organized by at-large City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, Ott and other planners said it could take $100 million in city and state funding to properly pull off the Semiquincentennial. That money would fund a yearlong series of 250-themed activities and events, plus a major Fourth of July celebration, they said. Philly is also hosting several FIFA World Cup games and the MLB All-Star Game in 2026.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and Gov. Josh Shapiro will announce their budgeting priorities in the coming weeks and months.

Ott Lovell said the alliance between the visitor center and Philadelphia250 will strengthen coordination between the various planners and city officials, while leveraging resources and staff.

“There’s a lot of really good people working together and checking their egos at the door and just trying to get this done,” she said. “I think the community programs are a critical part of that planning. We can make sure that we’re being as effective and efficient as possible to deliver meaningful experiences that create great memories for Philadelphians and visitors.”

Time is of the essence, said both Ott Lovell and Michael Newmuis, the city’s 2026 director. As part of the announcement, Newmuis was named honorary cochair of Philadelphia250.

“We’re one year out, and we need to use every available resource that we can to quickly drive forward a unified vision,” Newmuis said, “but also provide the resources to make sure they can cross the finish line successfully.”

Under city ethics laws, Newmuis’ position at Philadelphia250 will not extend to voting or financial decisions.

Ott Lovell, 50, who led Parks and Rec for seven years, said she has been thinking about the Semiquincentennial since she was a child growing up as a fourth-generation Philadelphian in Mayfair, and listening to stories about the 1976 Bicentennial festivities

“I remember thinking how old I would be when the next big celebration happens,” she said with a laugh. “Just being a part of that massive celebration and where I would be in life — and never did I think I would not be in Philadelphia.”

The 250th represents an opportunity to re-instill Philly pride, at home and across the country, she said.

“How do we use this moment to really shine a beautiful light on everything great and everything we’re proud of and passionate about in Philadelphia — this is the opportunity that’s in front of us,” she said. “But I’m a Philly girl, so I also know there’s the pressure of ‘Let’s not screw this up.’”