Skip Navigation Skip to Footer
Design Advocacy Group
  1. Home
  2. DAG Projects
Monthly Event

Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia's new 2026 Director: A vision for the 250th Anniversary of the nation's founding

This Event Has Passed

When

Thursday, April 4, 2024

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Where

In person at the Center for DesignPhiladelphia - 1218 Arch Street

What

In 2026, the United States of America will commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding.  Philadelphia — the city where the nation was born — serves a significant position in this historic milestone. Michael Newmuis, the incoming 2026 Director for the City of Philadelphia, is responsible for aligning all events, opportunities and seminal moments that will honor the U.S. Semiquincentennial. Join DAG on April 4th at 5:30pm at the Center for DesignPhiladelphia for an in-person, off-the-record, discussion with Newmuis, who will share his vision for the future and the semiquincentennial.

 

Light refreshments will be served.

 

The event is free to attend and we ask you to RSVP so that we can get an approximate head count. 

 

Previous DAG Monthly Events

Archived | 2024-03-28

Unlocking the Power of Plants to Make Philadelphia Safer, Healthier, and More Prosperous - PHS and the Green Living Plan

Archived | 2024-02-08

The Whole Home Repairs Program with Senator Nikil Saval

Archived | 2024-01-18

A Fireside Chat with Prema Gupta and Rebecca Johnson

Presenter

Michael Newmuis

Michael Newmuis is a solutions-driven executive with a 16-year track record across for-profit and non-profit sectors.  

 

He most 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. In this role, Michael supported the firm’s philanthropic and civic engagement efforts in United States.

 

Prior to FS Investments, Michael served as Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief of Staff at Visit Philadelphia, the region's official tourism marketing agency. Michael focused on stimulating the regional economy, supporting local businesses and job creation, and providing a sense of pride for residents. In 2022, Michael provided interim leadership for Visit Philadelphia while overseeing advocacy and grant development. 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.

 

Michael is a passionate advocate for Philadelphia, promoting inclusive economic growth, community empowerment, and civic pride throughout his career. Michael is a board member of the Avenue of the Arts, Inc., Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund, and Wawa Welcome America, Inc., host of the largest Fourth of July festival in the nation. He chairs the advisory board of City & State PA.

 

With a deep sense of civic responsibility, Michael has volunteered at organizations focused on increasing access to affordable housing in Philadelphia’s 14th Ward, alleviating homelessness in the local LGBTQ+ community, and reducing recidivism rates among first-time juvenile offenders in Philadelphia’s 6th Police District. He is an active mentor of Philadelphia adolescents through the KB Foundation.

 

An alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, Michael holds a bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Computation and Cognition.

 

Michael’s leadership has earned recognition as a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Philadelphia Business Journal and other distinguished honors.