Mt. Airy CDC is pleased to welcome Philip Dawson as its new executive director, effective March 1st. Mr. Dawson is the fourth executive director in the organization’s 42-year history. 

“We’re extremely excited to have someone of Phil’s talent and experience to lead Mt. Airy CDC’s next chapter,” said Ashley Via Maass, chair of Mt. Airy CDC’s board of directors. “On top of his experience, his wealth of knowledge of the area will be an asset from day one.”  

Before joining Mt. Airy CDC, Mr. Dawson served as executive director of the Chestnut Hill Business District, overseeing efforts in public space improvements, small business support, and tourism promotion. He previously served as executive director of housing and economic development for Esperanza, where he led the implementation of a comprehensive neighborhood plan for North Philadelphia's Hunting Park community.

“Mt. Airy is an extraordinary neighborhood that is unique in Philadelphia for its amenities, history, diversity, and strong sense of community,” Dawson said. “I am excited for the opportunity to advance Mt. Airy CDC’s mission here. I look forward to furthering the implementation of Mt. Airy’s neighborhood plan by strengthening our commercial corridors, creating pathways to housing and small business growth through property revitalization, enhancing partnerships with our schools, and generating new opportunities for our stakeholders to engage with our work.”

Founded in 1980, Mt. Airy CDC has a mission to “preserve, empower, and enrich a vibrant and diverse Mt. Airy.” That mission will guide the organization’s work in promoting the recovery of local businesses from the pandemic and supporting the needs of a growing residential community. We are excited about reconnecting with our neighbors through community events in 2022 and beyond. 

The board and staff of Mt. Airy CDC also extends their gratitude to Sarajane Blair and Sharon Kim, who each assumed the role of interim executive director while the search was conducted.