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Recognizing the extraordinary contributions and tireless efforts of the current and former staff members of the Office of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
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WHEREAS, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Councilmember in the Council of the City of Philadelphia, will conclude her tenure with Council in 2020 after twenty years of service. Throughout the years, the Councilwoman has benefited from a team of hardworking, persistent, and dynamic professionals, who each served the City of Philadelphia with distinction; and
WHEREAS, Author, speaker and pastor John C. Maxwell once said, “the truth is that teamwork is at the heart of great achievement.” Councilwoman Reynolds Brown’s current and past staffers have been the embodiment of “Putting People First” by devoting themselves to improving the quality of life of their fellow citizens. Each contributed their time and talent and deserve to be commended for their efforts; and
WHEREAS, Anna Marie Strawberry served as Scheduler from 2000 to 2002, and brought an endlessly positive attitude to her work with constituents. During her time in the office, Anna learned how to be persistent in standing up for children and families, and learned how to get things done for their wellbeing; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Glenn served as Councilwoman Reynolds Brown’s Assistant from 2000 to 2005. Barbara emphasizes that the Office of Councilwoman Reynolds Brown was always a loving place, since all the staff members got along as family, and appreciates the Councilwoman’s hard-working demeanor; and
WHEREAS, Beth Strain Berry has served as Councilwoman Reynolds Brown’s Constituent Service Representative and later Director since 2000. Beth brought an abundance of knowledge regarding city services. She attributes the Councilwoman for learning the value of follow up and follow through. She appreciates Councilwoman’s passion and devotion in ensuring that every Philadelphian’s voice is heard; and
WHEREAS, Candice Woods served as Constituent Services Representative from 2010 to 2012 and Community Affairs and Small Business Specialist from 2016 to 2018. Candice was instrumental in running meaningful events with the Office, which positively impacted countless members of the Philadelphia community. During her time in the Office, Candice learned the value of building quality relationships and challenging oneself; and
WHEREAS, Craig McLaurin served as the Councilwoman’s Special Assistant from 2009 to 2011. Craig cherishes the challenges he faced as the Special Assistant and values the opportunities he encountered to grow professionally. Craig learned the value of hard work, which continues to be a part of his work philosophy; and
WHEREAS, David Forde, Esq. served as Legislative Director and Chief of Staff for the Office between 2000 and 2014. During his time in the Office, David took great pride in nurturing and developing the Councilwoman’s team, and appreciates the Councilwoman for helping him learn the ins and outs of government. David is currently the Vice President of Community and Government Affairs at the University of the Sciences; and
WHEREAS, Dawn R. Crump, served as the Councilwoman’s Communications Manager in 2019. Dawn is grateful to have the opportunity to learn the inner workings of City Council and was proud to be a part of the Councilwoman’s team. She admires the Councilwoman for her passion to mentor talented young professionals; and
WHEREAS, Eilene Frierson served as Constituent Services Representative from 2008 to 2010. Eilene cherishes the opportunities she received to engage all aspects of the Philadelphia community and learned how to work within city government. She describes a typical workday as being filled with high energy and demanding work. Eilene is currently a staff member at Temple University; and
WHEREAS, Gabriela Raczka served as Special Events Coordinator for the Office in 2018. Gabriela was inspired to lead the final Warmth in Winter finale for the office, and recognized that women are underrepresented in leadership and deserve and should demand a seat at the table. Gabriela is currently the Engagement Manager for Philly Counts; and
WHEREAS, Hadji Maloumian, Esq. served as the Councilwoman’s Legislative Aide and Director of Legislation from 2014 to 2016. In his positions, Hadji learned the importance of putting people first. Hadji cherished his time with the Councilwoman and is especially proud of the sustainability legislation he worked on. Hadji is currently an attorney in private practice; and
WHEREAS, Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown served as the Office’s Communications Manager from 2016 to 2018. Through this position, Haniyyah credits the Councilwoman with offering insight into her public policy in a hands-on manner and learned that policy is what matters most. Haniyyah is currently the Director of Advocacy and External Engagement at the School District of Philadelphia and is the Founder and Principal of On Point Communications, LLC; and
WHEREAS, Jamal Haywood served as the Councilwoman’s Assistant from 2010 to 2015. Jamal’s determination and strong work ethic positively impacted the initiatives of the Office. Working with Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and her team ignited Jamal’s drive to go back to school. He is currently taking college courses; and
WHEREAS, James Barkley currently serves as the Councilwoman’s Special Assistant. In this position, James has increased his knowledge of City Council and is always supporting the Office’s legislative agenda. James has grown in his position through additional lessons on how to be a successful leader; and
WHEREAS, Jason Lewis served as the Office’s Communications Manager from 2008 to 2015. Jason was proud to hone his skills supporting speeches and remarks by the Councilwoman and learned that “the best job security is to be the best.” Jason developed the Office’s significant social media presence from scratch. He is currently the Vice President of Public Relations for Allen & Gerritsen; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Meade served as the Office’s Legislative Director from 2006-2009. He credits the office with supporting his growth and improvement and enjoyed leading efforts to develop economic opportunity plans and the menu labeling law. Joseph also recognizes the Councilwoman as one of his most important mentors. Joseph is currently Chief of Staff at LaSalle University; and
WHEREAS, Julian Thompson, currently serves as Senior Policy Advisor from 2017 to 2019 and interned with the office in 2010. Julian was recognized for his earnest attitude and endless support of the Councilwoman’s initiatives. Julian is proud to work on legislation that protects Philadelphia children from lead poisoning and took great pride in crafting the office’s robust intern fellowship. Julian will soon begin a position as the Senior Project Manager, Leadership for the United Negro College Fund; and
WHEREAS, Katherine Gilmore Richardson served with the Councilwoman between 2008 and 2019 in a variety of roles, including Constituent Services Liaison, Events Manager, Legislative Aide, Staff Director and finally, as Chief of Staff. Kathy is most proud of the office’s legislative accomplishments, including bills on the Philadelphia Commission for Women, energy benchmarking, commercial fuel oil and a bill that yielded $30 million for the School District of Philadelphia. She learned to make excellence her standard while working for the office. In November of this year, Katherine was elected to serve Philadelphia as a Councilperson At-Large; and
WHEREAS, Kellan White served from 2012 to 2015 as the Office’s Constituent Services Representative and Community Engagement and Special Events Manager. Kellan cherishes the opportunities he had to talk to members of the Philadelphia community, especially at Councilwoman Reynolds Brown’s Annual Knit In. Kellan grew in his positions by always being a part of the conversations in the Office. He credits the Councilwoman for always believing in his potential and showing him that he is worth more than just his job title. Kellan now serves as First Deputy City Controller; and
WHEREAS, Leslie Carter has served from 2002 to 2019 as the Councilwoman’s Scheduler and Office Manager. Leslie learned that excellence is not a single act but a habit. She credits the Councilwoman for teaching her the skills necessary to be an effective leader in and out of the workplace; and
WHEREAS, Mark Clark served as the Special Assistant from 2001 to 2003. In this position, Mark developed his organizational skills and increased his familiarization with the implementation of policies and loved watching the political process. Mark’s professional skills blossomed during his time at the office. He is currently the owner of a landscaping business; and
WHEREAS, Samantha Pearson served as Projects Manager and Public Affairs Manager from 2016 to 2018. Samantha took great pride in hosting events during Women’s History Month and is proud to have worked towards improving the lives of women in Philadelphia. She forever carries this lesson the Councilwoman taught her: never settle for less when it comes to your work product. Samantha is currently Chief of Staff for State Representative Mary Issacson; and
WHEREAS, Steven Chintaman, Esq. has served as the Councilwoman’s Legislative Aide since 2015, and as being recognized for his diligent attitude and hard work. Steven also served as the Councilwoman’s Special Assistant. Steven credits the Councilwoman with motivating him to seek out his law degree. Steven graduated from the Rutgers University School of Law in 2019 and passed the Pennsylvania Bar Examination; and
WHEREAS, Sylvia Purnell Muldrow served as the Office’s Chief of Staff from 2000 to 2005 and is currently serving as Lead Projects Manager. Sylvia is particularly proud of her role in constructing the Women Making a Difference event, which started in 2000. The event honored women leaders in the Philadelphia community and raised funds to support community-based organizations; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Daukaus has served in the Office since 2018 in the roles of Special Assistant and Special Events Coordinator. She enjoyed the opportunity to bring City government resources to constituents through events. The Councilwoman instilled in her the importance of an excellent work ethic; and
WHEREAS, The Office was also supported by Constituent Services Coordinator Adrienne Williams, Public Relations Manager Alisesha Vaughn, Constituent Services Coordinator Debra Brown, Special Assistant Holsey Gillis, Special Assistant Jerome Dorsey, Special Events Coordinator Luz Colon, Constituent Services Coordinator Marlene Goss, Special Assistant Vance Coles, and Special Assistant Zeyna Rodriguez; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, that we hereby recognize the extraordinary contributions and tireless efforts of the current and former staff members of the Office of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
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