Kathryn Ott Lovell, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center

Kathryn Ott Lovell cannot hold a single job.Kathryn has been the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation since July 2023. Not one to stand still when there’s a problem to fix or work to be done, Kathryn expanded her already busy duties early this year to become the President and CEO of Philadelphia 250 as well. And if that wasn’t enough, Lovell decided it was the perfect time to launch an idea she’s had for years and the Phambassadors was born – perhaps the love child of the Visitor Center and Philadelphia 250? And then, because she has too much spare time, Kathryn is now helping to lead the effort to save the iconic beloved Wanamaker Light show. Kathryn is actually one of Philly’s true icons.

Before taking on her role at the Visitor Center, she served as the Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) starting in 2016. 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.

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