PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced today the latest in a series of ongoing significant personnel announcements, as the Parker administration continues to fill integral roles essential to helping the mayor implement her vision of a Safer, Cleaner, Greener Philadelphia, with Economic Opportunity for All. More appointments are expected later this week.

“Today we are announcing the team who will help ensure economic opportunities across the city, including for minority-owned businesses,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We are also announcing someone who will be instrumental as Philadelphia prepares to celebrate major events in 2026.”

“As we continue to set the foundation of this administration, we must take the time to select the most qualified, best-suited individuals for these roles – our best and brightest. 57 days in, we are making every day count as we continue to make personnel decisions and complete the Parker administration.”

Today, Mayor Parker made the following appointments to the Parker administration:

Michael Newmuis, 2026 Director

Michael Newmuis, the city’s new 2026 Director, is a solutions-driven executive who recently served as Head of Impact at FS Investments, a global asset manager with $76 billion in assets, and Executive Director of the FS Foundation. Before FS Investments, Newmuis served as Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief of Staff at Visit Philadelphia, the region’s official tourism marketing agency. During his tenure, he contributed to the successful execution of visionary events including the 2017 NFL Draft, the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and the 2015 World Meeting of Families commemorating Pope Francis’ first United States visit.

As 2026 Director, Newmuis will help coordinate major events for the city and play a key role in their success. Some of these events include the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the 2024 WWE WrestleMania, and the 250^th anniversary of America’s founding.

Rachel Branson, Director of the Office of Minority Business Success

Rachel Branson will serve as Director of the city’s newly created office of Minority Business Success.  Branson has worked in various legal roles over the past 17 years, including, most recently, as the inaugural General Counsel & Corporate Secretary for Nymbus, Inc. and Nymbus CUSO, LLC. In this newly created office, Branson will help minority businesses launch and thrive in Philadelphia. In collaboration with the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Department of Commerce, this office will work with diverse business owners to fulfill their need for goods and services. The focus will be on measurable goals for small, medium, and large business growth and advancement across the city.

Darnell Thomas, Deputy Director of the Office of Minority Business Success

Darnell Thomas, the newly appointed Deputy Director of the Office of Minority Business Success, is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for retail and real estate development. He founded his first company while a freshman in college and over 14 years slowly grew the company to a chain of 18 locations in major Northeast Corridor malls, as well as a B2B distributor for companies like Five Below, Urban Outfitters, and Forman Mills. Thomas will aid Director Branson in establishing the office as a place where minority businesses can come to get one-on-one support including access to documents, services, and resources. Thomas and the office aim to help minority-owned businesses thrive and see Philadelphia as the ideal home for businesses.

Donavan West, Director of Business Roundtables

Donavan West will serve as the Director of Business Roundtables working with the administration to create an environment for city-based businesses to grow and flourish. West stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of economic and community development, with a career spanning over 20 years that encapsulates a deep commitment to fostering growth, equity, and innovation in diverse business environments. His journey is marked by significant contributions to various sectors, including economic development, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.

In this role, his primary focus will be to expand access to job opportunities and craft policies that lift up workers. He will serve as a liaison between the business community and the administration, providing a direct line to government leaders at all levels. Business roundtables will advise on policy, offer feedback, and regularly meet with the mayor as well as top members of the Parker administration.

“We now have well over four dozen senior appointees, with more to come shortly,” Mayor Parker concluded today. “As the Parker administration comes together, I am excited for the future of our city.”

Learn more about the vision and priorities of the Parker administration in the 100-Day Action Plan here.

View Photos from the first 100 days of the Parker administration here.