Leader of Philadelphia250 resigns as clock ticks toward 2026 Semiquincentennial

Danielle DiLeo Kim, president and chief executive officer of Philadelphia250, a nonprofit organization founded to help plan Philly’s 2026 Semiquincentennial celebrations, resigned Monday.

DiLeo Kim had led the group, focused primarily on neighborhood initiatives connected to the city’s commemoration of the country’s 250th anniversary, since 2019. Starting Jan. 1, Nneka Brown, Philadelphia250’s director of operations, will take on the organization’s day-to-day management duties, according to a statement by the group’s board.

Reached by phone, Brown said she could not comment.

DiLeo Kim, an architect and urban designer, could not be reached. She will soon assume the presidency of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the statement said.

“We are deeply grateful to Danielle for her vision and dedication to positioning Philadelphia250 for success,” said former Gov. Ed Rendell, chair of the board of directors. “Her passion, dedication, and leadership have created an exceptional foundation for our organization as we approach this historic milestone.”

The change of leadership comes at a critical time in 2026 planning, and weeks after cultural and tourism groups say they need $100 million in city and state funding to successfully plan for the Semiquincentennial.

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 listed Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, and Charleston “as leading cities” in the nation’s 250th celebrations. Philly is also hosting several FIFA World Cup games and the MLB All-Star Game in 2026.

At a November 2026 preparedness meeting, organized by City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, leaders of eight 2026 planning organizations — including Visit Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation — warned the clock was ticking on preparations, and that money was needed.

“We stand at a defining moment in Philadelphia history,” testified Angela Val at the Nov. 18 hearing. “This is our opportunity to lose.”

Philadelphia250 has made its mission to make sure the city’s 2026 Semiquincentennial celebrations reach every corner of the city. Under DiLeo Kim’s leadership, the group has worked on planning 250-themed activity centers and family-friendly programming to welcome visitors in communities from Africatown to Chinatown to Fox Chase.

Unlike each of the last three national 50-year celebrations of the American Revolution, Philadelphia will not be gaining any massive infrastructure projects in 2026. But the World Cup festivities alone are expected to draw a half-million visitors, resulting in a nearly $800 million economic impact for the Philly area, planners say.

“We need to set the city up for success and that will take financial investment and resources from local and state governments,” testified Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, at the November hearing.

Philadelphia250 had officially been incorporated in 2011 as another nonprofit, USA250. That entity had been saddled by accusations of cronyism and sexism, according to lawsuits. The group had changed its branding — and leadership structure — by 2019, when DiLeo Kim took charge.

Michael Newmuis, the 2026 director for the city of Philadelphia, said he remains steadfastly committed to working with Philadelphia250 as it enters its new chapter.

“By working alongside the many dedicated partners involved, we will ensure the spirit of the 250th celebration reaches Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods,” he said Monday. “That is our charge.”

Newmuis has told council that Mayor Cherelle L. Parker is preparing a “robust budget proposal for 2026 initiatives.” That proposal will include funding for programming, marketing, and operational needs, he said.

“We’re sprinting ahead to the finish line, and will deliver a meaningful U.S. Semiquincentennial experience for our residents and visitors,” he said Monday.