PHLCVB names new ED of PHL Diversity

Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) announced that Sheila Alexander-Reid (pictured below) has been appointed executive director of PHL Diversity. Heading up a key business development division of the PHLCVB, Alexander-Reid’s experience in diversity, equality and inclusion, and championing marginalised communities, will aid her in promoting PHLCVB as an inclusive destination for meetings and conventions. In 2015, Alexander-Reid was appointed by Washington, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser as executive director of the mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs. In this capacity, she advised the mayor on implementing discrimination protections, and diversity and inclusion policies to support D.C.’s LGBTQ residents. According to PHLCVB, Alexander-Reid was instrumental in the city’s successful fight for marriage equality, and she also served on a policy committee advising the Biden-Harris campaign. Alexander-Reid often collaborated with Destination DC, a destination marketing organisation like PHLCVB, working to attract diverse conventions. Most recently, Alexander-Reid served as senior vice president of business development at BiasSync, a firm that helps organisations more effectively assess and manage unconscious bias in the work environment. Gregg Caren, PHLCVB president and CEO, said: “Sheila’s experience is at the key intersection of diversity, equity and inclusion, strategic planning and business development. She has a strong background in DEI advocacy that will continue to ensure PHL Diversity’s efforts are always community focused.” In the last decade, Alexander-Reid has earned certificates in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University and Stanford Graduate School of Business. At the 2019 LGBTQ Leadership Conference at Stanford University, she presented on intersectionality of race and gender. In her new role, Alexander-Reid will lead an implementation strategy to develop relationships with industry and government stakeholders across Philadelphia’s diverse community. She will lead PHL Diversity with the goal of increasing the net convention, meetings and tourism brand value of Philadelphia as a welcoming DEI convention destination, while also advancing opportunities for growth of local businesses as a result of increased events and visitation to the city. “I look forward to continuing my career of advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion and progress in Philadelphia by leading PHL Diversity,” commented Alexander-Reid.