NLNA Board Elections Update!
The NLNA Board Election is Tuesday, May 21st at 6:30 pm, at the Northern Liberties Community Center at 700 N 3rd Street. This year we will be voting for President, Treasurer, and 8 at-large Board seats. Learn more about our candidates by reading their Candidate Statements below…and some exciting news!
ELECTION UPDATE
The Election is uncontested as there are 10 candidates for 10 open Board seats (including President & Treasurer); therefore, the Election Committee will hold a collective vote by acclamation during the May 21 Election Meeting (6:30 PM) after neighbors hear the candidates’ speeches. This means there are no ballots.
Please review the registration process at the bottom of this email to prepare for our next election (May 2025). If you are not registered to vote, you may register in-person at the beginning of the May 21 meeting (with proof of residency) - view more details and registration options below.
The Candidates
Jeff Hornstein is running for President, and Donna Turi is running for Treasurer. The Candidates for the 8 at-large seats (in alphabetical order) are Ryan Carillo, Shakirra Clark, Janet Finegar, Mariel Lewis, James O’Neil, Matt Ruben, Donna Turi, Steve Westcott, & Sung Whang.
Candidate Statements
PRESIDENT - Jeff Hornstein
I live on the 800 block of North Lawrence street, love my neighbors, wake up everyday grateful that I live in this vibrant community.
One of the things I most admire about this neighborhood is it sense of DIY spirit. No other neighborhood in the city has parks like Liberty Lands, Orkney Park, and Oriana Hill, the product of neighbors' vision and hard work.
In my first two year term, we hired an amazing executive director and have launched the I Love Northern Liberties campaign to make that position financially sustainable. We've activated the community center and Liberty Lands to a new degree, and conducted a community survey to ensure that we are aligned with the broad needs of the neighborhood. We are using the data from that survey to launch initiatives around clean streets, public safety, and education. Our zoning committee continues to be one of the most respected in the city, promoting responsible development.
We've also dealt with significant challenges, like the spillover from the open air drug market in Kensington, the ad hoc bus terminal that was dumped on us without warning, and the massive expansion of rental properties. I am running for another two year term because I want to continue the great work this current board has been doing and go deeper.
TREASURER - Donna Turi
I joined the board in the role of Treasurer in October 2022. I realized that the learning curve was about 6 months in length in order to understand our accounting system, the breakdown of the budget and the approval of expenses, investments and other financial requests. During my tenor, the executive committee members and I have worked to further refine controls which include: better processes for expense requests, streamlining the presentation of the monthly budget versus actual to the board to allow for more understanding and discussion, defining approval levels for budget and non-budget items and updating financial software.
In addition, during my term, I hired a payroll company and set up both insurance and tax filings related to payroll. I also worked to streamline investments and ensure they were earning market rates. Meetings were also held with each board committee chair to walk through resources, processes and procedures from a budget perspective.
If reelected, my plan is to continue to work with our bookkeeper to ensure that there is a good understanding of revenue sources for each event so funds can be utilized quickly. Focus will also be placed on working with committee chairs so they can better understand and manage their budgets. I would like to include a financial review in upcoming NLNA general meetings so neighbors are aware of how funds are used and to solicit ideas for additional fundraising to support the growth of community events and services.
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
Ryan Carillo
I am not only a seasoned technology and business development leader but also a dedicated volunteer committed to making a difference in my community. With over 20 years of experience driving growth and expansion in diverse markets, I have consistently demonstrated an ability to lead cross-functional teams and develop innovative business models.
As Head of Sales, Partnerships & Marketing at BAO Systems, I have spearheaded numerous initiatives resulting in significant organizational growth and the establishment of successful internal and external processes. My expertise in developing alliance programs and optimizing portfolio management has been instrumental in achieving remarkable milestones, including incremental revenue and vertical growth.
Beyond my professional achievements, I am deeply passionate about giving back. I have been a volunteer with Philadelphia FIGHT, providing support at COVID-19 vaccination clinics during the pandemic. Additionally, I serve as a Delivery & Manufacturing - Transportation Specialist at the Red Cross, where I deliver life-saving blood products to hospitals throughout the region.
My dedication extends to supporting diversity initiatives, as evidenced by my involvement in the Red Cross' Supplier Diversity program. As a Supplier Diversity Stakeholder Engagement and Project Management volunteer, I ensure compliance with internal policies and advocates for diversity and inclusion within the organization.
My multifaceted approach to leadership, coupled with my commitment to volunteering, underscores my profound impact on both professional endeavors and community service. My blend of strategic acumen and altruism exemplifies a true leader dedicated to making a positive difference in the world.
Shakirra Clark
Hello everyone. My name is Shakirra Clark and a current board member since 2020. I am the mother of six children. They are Michael, Mia, Veronica, Isabella, Juliana and John. My husband’s name is Phil Clark. We have lived in the neighborhood since October, 2009. They have all attended St. Peter the Apostle School at 5th and Girard. I have made cakes and brownies for a lot of you. Since 2020, I have been the chair of the Community Engagement Committee. I am also part of the Fundraising committee, but always willing to help when needed. When I first joined the board, I was genuinely surprised at how much I didn’t know about the NLNA and how much they do in the neighborhood. Now, I want to get more people involved. I want all the residents of the neighborhood to know that the NLNA is a wonderful organization and is here to help them. I want everyone to feel welcome. I would love your vote to continue being a part of this hardworking board.
Thank you!
Janet Finegar
Hi neighbors! I’ve lived in Northern Liberties for 30 years and been active with the NLNA for most of that time — I’m most invested in our community parks, but also served as the NLNA Secretary for years and been involved in a variety of other committees over time. After a brief break, I’m looking forward to re-joining the Board of Directors and working with the terrific group of strong leaders there. My particular focus right now is supporting the project to renovate the Liberty Lands playground, but I also have a keen interest and experience in zoning, events, and neighborhood clean-and-green issues.
Mariel Lewis
I am thrilled to be applying for a position on the Board of Directors for another term. I am honored by the nomination and am grateful for your consideration.
To say that I love the city of Philadelphia is an understatement. Since moving to Philadelphia in 2005 to attend Drexel University, I have lived in University City, West Philly, the Gayborhood, Center City, and Society Hill, but when I landed in Northern Liberties six years ago, I knew I was finally home. I have already had the privilege of being on the NLNA Board for this past term as well as Chair the NLNA Event’s Committee.
My experience working in the non-profit world began when I became a volunteer at the Philadelphia Zoo. My love for animals and our environment led me to volunteer in their KidZooU program, where my passion for sustainability grew. I thrived in an environment where I could share this excitement with a younger generation. Volunteering turned into a part-time job, which became a full-time position, and ultimately led me to my career in Special Event management over the past decade.
For the past 6 years, I have been leading the Special Events Department for the Ronald McDonald House here in Philadelphia. The mission of this organization is to provide a community of comfort and hope for families with seriously ill children. Like my work at the Zoo, this position gives me the opportunity to do what I love while also serving a higher purpose: to better the community around me. With years of experience honing my skillset in efficient event-planning, I would love to continue to use my talents to serve the community I love and share my pride in the place I call my home.
James O’Neil
I’ve lived here for 7 years, and I love this neighborhood. My wife and I have raised my 3 small children here, and service to one’s community is essential to who we are as a family. When I am not working and rearing our 3 small children, I am volunteering at NLNA events or the St Francis Inn in Kensington.
It would be an honor to play a part in strengthening our community; but if I had to pick one focus where I could have the most impact on the community, it would be sustainability awareness, education, and action. I have extensive experience in the waste management and recycling fields. I would look to apply that knowledge in the form of:
Recycling education and awareness for neighbors
Waste reduction through reuse/swap events
Recycling drives
Street cleanliness
With 3 small children, I would also take an interest in Liberty Lands initiatives and other youth programs and events. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to serving the neighborhood community.
Matt Ruben
My name is Matt Ruben. I have lived in Northern Liberties for 24 years, 23 of them on the NLNA board and 16 as president. I am seeking re-election to an at-large board seat because I believe my experience, relationships, and understanding of city government are helpful to the NLNA and our neighborhood.
During my time on the board I have helped us navigate a complicated political situation to get the property from the city that today houses our Community Center; led the civic effort to ensure middle-class homeowners were not excluded from the city’s LOOP property tax protection program; coordinated our successful defense against a baseless lawsuit brought against the NLNA and several neighbors by a bar/club owner; and contributed to the successful effort to get PennDOT to greatly reduce how much they plan to widen I-95 in Northern Liberties.
I also serve as the link between the NLNA, the Central Delaware Advocacy Group (which I chair), and the Delaware River Waterfront Corp. (on whose board I serve). I helped create the Central Delaware Zoning Overlay, which we have successfully defended against all challenges. In my role with Delaware River Waterfront Corp. I helped ensure that the large development site at Delaware and Spring Garden will include a major public access corridor and public waterfront park, finally opening up Spring Garden to the river.
If re-elected, I will continue to do my utmost to support the NLNA’s leadership team and work for our neighborhood.
Stephen Westcott
Hello neighbors! I was elected to the current board in the fall of last year to finish out a remaining term of a previous board member. In the past couple of months I’ve enjoyed my experience working with the other members of the board and getting to know more neighbors and volunteers. I currently lead the Clean Streets Committee which launched back in February. We have had a couple of great meetings so far and also participated in the Philly Spring Cleanup Day in April. I'd like the opportunity to continue the dialogue and progress with this initiative with my reelection.
I also wanted to share a bit about myself for those I have not met yet. I bought my house in the neighborhood over six years ago and have lived in Philadelphia for the past twelve years. I am fortunate to have a brother, sister, and cousin who all live within a few block radius. I spend a lot of time each week walking around the neighborhood with my wife and our twelve-year-old Frenchie so I have a specially vested interest in the safety and cleanliness of the neighborhood. I have a background in Finance as a CPA and I currently work as a Controller for an engineering services firm. My experience in this field has taught me that attention to detail, communication, and persistence are key in working towards your goals. I'd like the opportunity to continue to carry some of those fundamentals forward with my reelection to the board. Thanks for your consideration!
Sung Whang
Hi, I’m Sung Whang and I’m honored to accept the nomination by Janet Finegar for Board Member At-Large. About me, I’ve lived in Philadelphia for 15 years and more recently had the privilege of taking advantage of historically low interest rates, making me a proud homeowner in Northern Liberties. In the last decade I’ve worked as a nurse practitioner at Jefferson, and the 5 years before that as a floor nurse at Penn. I’ve had the opportunity to live in several neighborhoods in the city, but it wasn’t until I moved here that I really got excited about getting involved. I’ve participated in many of the NLNA events since I’ve moved here – playing in dirt for the Plant Sale, dragging trees for Treecycling, wrapping gifts for Operation Santa, selling merch at 2nd St Festival, and pouring beer at Liberty Lands, but also on my own street and backyard, keeping the neighborhood as clean and safe as we can. These are the same reasons I’d like to be considered for the Board – to serve as best as I can to keep NoLibs clean and safe and while I enjoy volunteering, I believe being a member of the board will ultimately help me to stay dedicated and accountable not only to myself but to our community.
REGISTER or VALIDATE YOUR EXISTING REGISTRATION for next year’s election!
Voter Registration
To be eligible to vote in our NLNA elections, all of the following must be true:
You must be at least 18 years of age
You must live in or own a business in Northern Liberties - Boundaries:
Northern: South side of Girard Ave
Southern: North side of Callowhill St.
Eastern: Delaware River from Callowhill to Laurel St.; West side of Front St. from Laurel to Girard
Western: East side of 6th St.
You must be registered to vote in NLNA elections (or if previously registered, please validate your registration - see below)
For previously registered voters:
Please validate your registration status by completing this Voter Registration Status Form (click here) by Friday, May 17, 2024 (this will be required every ~3-5 years to ensure our list is up to date).
To register to vote for the first time:
Please complete the New Voter Registration Form (click here) by Friday, May 17, 2024 and follow form instructions.
If you would rather register in person or are unable to submit the form, you may register before the next NLNA General Meeting & Election on Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30 PM or reach out to vote@nlna.org to schedule a time to register in person.
Interested in running next year? Who’s eligible?
To be eligible to run for an at-large Board seat all of the following must be true:
You must be eligible & registered to vote in NLNA elections
You must have lived in the neighborhood (this includes both owners and renters) for no less than one year, or have owned or operated a business with a physical location* in the neighborhood for no less than one year.
To be eligible to run for President or Treasurer on the Executive Committee, you also need to have been on the NLNA board for one year, now or in the past.
Note: All nominated candidates must attend the NLNA Candidate Orientation meeting prior to the election (in-person or zoom options).
*Property owners who do not live in or run a business in the neighborhood, and business owners with only a PO box in the neighborhood, are not eligible to run for any seat, or to vote in the election.
NLNA Board Member Responsibilities
Members of the 2024 Election Committee are:
Cristina Grisanti (Board Secretary & Election Committee Chair)
Kevin Wilkins (At-Large Board Member)
Volunteers: Travis Hess, Melissa Maw, & Jeremy Goodman.
All members of the NLNA Board of Directors and members of all neighborhood committees are volunteers.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at vote@nlna.org.