PHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and the Parker administration are announcing five appointments to the Philadelphia Land Bank Board of Directors. In announcing these new appointees, the administration is taking the first of several steps in reforming the Land Bank to more swiftly move parcels out of its inventory.
“The Philadelphia Land Bank is a critical entity when it comes to revitalizing neighborhoods, creating more housing and economic opportunity, and strengthening the City’s tax base,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Today’s announcement marks an important step in my commitment to economic development and increased access to housing for renters and homeowners to ensure vibrant and equitable communities and help build intergenerational wealth in Philadelphia.”
“With their diverse expertise and unwavering dedication, these new board members will guide the Land Bank towards a future where every vacant lot becomes a catalyst for positive change, fostering inclusive growth and opportunity for all Philadelphians,” Mayor Parker said.
The Philadelphia Land Bank serves as a transformative force in revitalizing the city’s neighborhoods through a commitment to increasing access and reactivating publicly owned vacant land. These five appointees represent a diverse group of key stakeholders who have demonstrated a firm and continuous commitment to housing and community development in the City of Philadelphia. Most importantly, their membership on the board will strongly align with the Parker Administration’s promise of 30,000 housing units. The administration remains focused on working through the Land Bank’s reform effort to bolster minority, non-profit, and community development developers as well as its ongoing work with the Sheriff to restart tax lien sales so that vacant properties can be returned to good use and affordable housing.
Here are Mayor Parker’s appointments to the Philadelphia Land Bank Board of Directors:
Cornelius Brown, PE, Bohler
Cornelius Borwn is a site civil engineering professional with 20 years of experience in land development consulting. As Principal and Regional Manager of Bohler’s Pennsylvania region, and specifically the Philadelphia office, he oversees all Bohler’s work within the city and surrounding suburbs. He is focused on client relationship management and project team coordination, facilitating communication between all key players. He serves on Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia’s Board of Directors, serves on BIA of Philadelphia’s Board of Directors and supports the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, as well as the Government Affairs Committee.
Rebecca Lopez Kriss, Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Outreach, and Taxpayer Assistance Programs at Philadelphia Department of Revenue
As Deputy Revenue Commissioner, Rebecca Lopez Kriss leads Revenue’s inter-governmental affairs and policy group, oversees technical tax staff, outreach and communication teams, and the taxpayer assistance and tax credit group. Her efforts support the Department’s behavioral science initiatives, including data-driven communications projects, and improving and expanding outreach efforts. Before her appointment in 2019, she was a Revenue Senior Policy Analyst and the Director of Strategic Outreach. Formerly, she was the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, where she supported the creation of the Startup PHL Call for Ideas program, working to attract and retain tech firms in Philadelphia.
Herb Wetzel, Retired
Herbert Wetzel retired in 2024 as the Executive Director of Housing and Community Development for the Philadelphia City Council, after many years of service in this position. He is also a founding member of the board of directors and former executive director of the Greater Germantown Housing Development Corporation. Mr. Wetzel has a long history of community development activities. During the past 20 years he established a small business in the Germantown section of Philadelphia to create neighborhood-based economic development; served as Director, Deputy Executive Director and, upon appointment by former Mayor John Street, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority; and has served as Vice-Chair on PHA’s Board since 2013.
Dariwn Beauvais, Obermayer
A partner in Obermayer’s Business & Finance Department, Darwin focuses his practice on zoning and land use as well as local government affairs. Darwin represents real estate owners, developers, and investors in a wide variety of development and construction projects including residential, commercial, corporate, and alternative energy. Darwin is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED® AP). This designation gives him an industry-leading understanding of green building practices and principles.
Majeedah Rashid, Nicetown CDC
Majeedah initially came on Board with the Nicetown CDC in 2002, as the Chief Information Officer. Since then, she has been instrumental in establishing a resident driven approach to community economic development and delivery of supportive services in Nicetown and surrounding communities. Working in various capacities, Majeedah’s experience includes neighborhood planning, affordable housing and economic development, land management, arts and culture, youth programs and community organizing. Signature mixed use development projects during Majeedah’s tenure include Nicetown Court I & II, two LIHTC projects that brought more than $30 million in investment to the transit centered neighborhood. Current pipeline planning includes affordable housing for rental and homeownership, commercial corridor revitalization and the Nicetown Sport Court.