[VT- Philadelphia, PA., July 31, 2025] — Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and the City of Philadelphia have announced the appointment of 10 senior officials to lead pivotal departments across the city government, reinforcing the administration’s ongoing effort to build a Safer, Cleaner, Greener Philadelphia with Economic Opportunity for All.
With these appointments, over 100 senior staff and leadership positions have now been filled under Mayor Parker’s administration, reflecting her commitment to strategically placing the right people in the right roles at the right time—now 19 months into her term.
“As we welcome these individuals to our team, it’s clear that their dedication to public service will be critical as we tackle major challenges and enhance the quality of life for all Philadelphians,” said Mayor Parker. “These new leaders will focus on key issues including behavioral health, civil rights, immigration, diversity, and more.”
She added: “We are never done. We will continue to look for the right people for the right positions at the right moments.”
Key Appointments Include:
Kehinde “Kenny” Solanke
Commissioner, Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS)
Start Date: September 2, 2025
Solanke brings over 20 years of service to the City of Philadelphia. As Senior Director of Operations for Crisis Services at DBHIDS, she led significant initiatives such as the citywide rollout of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the establishment of Philadelphia’s first Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center. In her new role, she will oversee behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and intellectual disability support services citywide.
Renee Chenault Fattah
Executive Director, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and Philadelphia Commission on Fair Housing
Start Date: June 30, 2025
A respected journalist and attorney, Chenault Fattah previously co-anchored NBC10’s weekday newscasts for 25 years. Her legal background includes work with the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, the Senior Law Center, a major New York law firm, and a federal clerkship under Judge Damon J. Keith. She will lead efforts to combat discrimination, protect civil rights, and promote inclusive communities.
Charlie Elison
Executive Director, Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA)
Start Date: July 7, 2025
Elison joins from a strategic communications role at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), bringing national and international experience, including time with FEMA and the U.S. Army. His leadership will focus on advancing citywide immigrant integration, policy coordination, and outreach.
Donna Jackson Stephans
Interim Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Start Date: In transition from Philadelphia International Airport
With over two decades of experience, Stephans is a nationally recognized leader in DEI. Her work spans government, education, workforce development, and social services. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Aviation at PHL, where she aligned DEI strategies with small business growth and institutional equity.
Greg Phillips
Chief Operating Officer, Philadelphia International Airport
Start Date: May 12, 2025
Phillips brings a deep background in airport operations, known for his collaborative leadership and innovations in safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. He has led green initiatives aimed at minimizing airports’ ecological footprint and strengthening community engagement.
Elizabeth Lankenau
Director, Office of Sustainability
Start Date: May 28, 2025
A lifelong Philadelphian and Central High School graduate, Lankenau is a certified city planner with more than 25 years of experience across departments such as the Philadelphia Historical Commission and the Water Department. Since March 2023, she has served as Interim Director of Sustainability, helping to guide the city’s climate resilience, clean energy, and environmental justice strategies.
Cydney Irving-Dasent
Chief of Children and Family Support Services, Office of Children and Families (OCF)
Start Date: June 9, 2025
Irving-Dasent brings extensive expertise in child welfare and family services. She will oversee vital programs such as Career Connected Learning (C2L), Out-of-School Time (OST), and the Department of Human Services Education Support Center (ESC), working to ensure families and children have access to the supports they need.
Mark Dodds
Deputy Director, Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Start Date: July 30, 2025
Dodds will play a central role in the City’s ambitious $2 billion H.O.M.E. Initiative, which aims to build, preserve, and restore 30,000 housing units. Previously the leader of DHCD’s Policy and Programs unit, he brings extensive expertise in affordable housing development, federal grant oversight, and community revitalization.
Leah Uko
Press Secretary & Deputy Communications Director, Mayor’s Office of Communications
Start Date: May 27, 2025
An Emmy Award-winning journalist, Uko most recently reported for NBC10, where she covered the early stages of the Parker administration. She has led major coverage on gun violence in Philadelphia, wildfires and homelessness in California, and civil rights issues across the country. In her new role, she will serve as the city’s front-line liaison with the media.
Nicole Morris
Deputy Director, Office of Human Resources
Start Date: June 2, 2025
Morris, a former leader in the City’s Law Department, has been a strong advocate for workplace inclusion, employee rights, and anti-discrimination initiatives. She has developed training programs to foster respectful, equitable work environments, and will now help advance HR strategy, partnerships, and employee engagement citywide.
Mayor Parker concluded, “We encourage all Philadelphians to engage with these new leaders. Your input is vital as we work to ensure that Philadelphia is a thriving, inclusive city — with a government that people can see, touch, and feel.”
