Michael Newmuis is leading the City of Philadelphia’s preparations for the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, coordinating this work as 2026 Director in the Mayor’s Office in the birthplace of American democracy.

As the nation’s first World Heritage City, Philadelphia is set to welcome millions of visitors for this historic milestone, hosting an extraordinary lineup of events, including the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, groundbreaking exhibitions, citywide festivals, and global spectacles such as the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Weekend, NCAA March Madness, and PGA Tour.

With a career spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Michael is committed to driving economic growth, empowering communities, and fostering unity through shared experiences.

As the former Head of Impact at FS Investments and Executive Director of the FS Foundation, Michael led civic and philanthropic initiatives for a $100 billion asset management firm, championing programs that expanded access to higher education, financial literacy, and community empowerment. During his tenure at Visit Philadelphia, his team boosted the local economy and elevated the city’s global profile by supporting major events such as the 2015 World Meeting of Families with Pope Francis, the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and the 2017 NFL Draft.

Michael’s civic contributions include serving as Chair of the Advisory Board for City & State PA, Honorary Co-chair of Philadelphia250, and a board member of the Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund. He is also an active youth mentor through the KB Foundation.

An alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science with a focus on Computation and Cognition. His has earned recognition as Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Power 100” and "40 Under 40," and Philadelphia Magazine’s 150 most influential leaders.

Kathryn Ott Lovell is President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, which welcomed over 1.4 million visitors last year. Since joining the Visitor Center in July 2023, Lovell has introduced global brands like TKTS and The Sly Stallone Shop to Philadelphia’s visitor centers; welcomed ArtStar, a locally and women-owned and operated retail space featuring crafts and souvenirs from Philly-based artists and makers; and opened the Liberty Garden, a seasonal food and beverage concession in the Park. Lovell has also convened the Historic District Partners, a coalition of more than thirty historical and cultural institutions, to work together to increase visitation and resources to Independence National Historic Park and America’s most historic square mile.

A civic leader and steadfast supporter of Philadelphia, Lovell served as Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation from 2016-2023. As PPR commissioner, Lovell instituted the department’s first strategic plan, which established a renewed vision and set in motion a powerful trajectory toward an equitable and exceptional parks and recreation system that connects people to each other, enriching experiences, and the natural world. She has led innovative initiatives to activate Philly’s parks and engage residents and visitors city-wide including Enhanced PlayStreets, Swim Philly, The Oval+, Parks on Tap and the Philadelphia International Unity Cup soccer tournament. Ott Lovell has also spearheaded ambitious park projects including the transformation of FDR Park and the reimagining of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Prior to joining Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Lovell served as executive director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, where she elevated the organization’s profile and ushered in a dramatic shift in its strategic vision, building a host of new programs, executing high-profile projects, and securing funding from an array of local and national funders. She also served as chief advancement officer for Mural Arts Philadelphia for six years, during a time of significant growth and programmatic shifts for the organization.

Gregg Caren is the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) where he oversees the organization’s efforts to promote and sell Philadelphia as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events and international travelers. He serves on the board of directors for the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (PVCC), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and United States Travel Association (USTA).

Previously, he served as the executive vice president, sales and strategic business development for ASM Global (formerly SMG), operator of over 350 venues worldwide, including the Pennsylvania Convention Center. He served in numerous senior leadership roles over his 22 years with the company, building and overseeing a portfolio of more than 90 convention and exhibition centers. Caren began his career with Marriott Hotels and Resorts and has also held leadership positions with convention and entertainment venues in Atlantic City, NJ and Valley Forge, PA. He is an alumnus of The Pennsylvania State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management.