Kevin Lessard
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
3K followers
500+ connections
3K followers
500+ connections
About
Kevin Lessard is a strategic communications leader and consensus builder with extensive…
Activity
3K followers
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Kevin Lessard shared thisThrilled to see this incredible news out of the Navy Yard Philadelphia earlier today. This morning's major announcement from JPMorganChase is proof of the power of partnership. Thanks to them, City of Philadelphia, and all of our partners in helping drive new opportunities for Philadelphians and local businesses. ⬇️Kevin Lessard shared thisToday, JPMorganChase announced a major investment in Philadelphia's future, and we're proud that PIDC and the Navy Yard Philadelphia are a part of it. Through a $6.5 million investment in our Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), PIDC Community Capital will be able to expand access to the flexible financing that helps businesses in the maritime, defense and manufacturing sectors grow, innovate, and create quality jobs. It's an investment in the businesses that will shape the next chapter of Philadelphia's shipbuilding industry. Just as important, this investment recognizes that a thriving industry depends on a strong workforce. Alongside support for PIDC Community Capital, a $2 million grant to The Skills Initiative will build on our long-standing partnership to expand workforce development efforts supporting Hanwha Philly Shipyard and other local employers, helping connect more Philadelphians to in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages. For decades, the Navy Yard has been a place where industry evolves and opportunity grows. This investment helps ensure that momentum continues by supporting both the companies driving innovation and the people powering their success. We're grateful to JPMorganChase, the City of Philadelphia, and all our partners for investing in a stronger, more competitive economy for Philadelphia. Learn more⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eNXhJnX2
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Kevin Lessard shared thisSo proud of this guy. For the last 2+ years, my better half Michael Newmuis has had one job: help turn the City of Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation, into the epicenter of America's 250th anniversary. As we approach the Fourth of July, a few personal nuggets highlighted in this fun The Philadelphia Gay News profile you might not know about: he published his own neighborhood tabloid at age 10 (still has copies); he once wrote code that helped process fruit-temperature data faster on imports after 9/11; how he's got so much on his plate these days that he's shown up to events a week early just trying to keep up! But the profile goes much deeper than that: his family, his beloved late mother, and his great-great-grandmother's walk to freedom, a story he carries into every room on this job. At a complicated moment for the country, he explains why 2026 still matters better than I ever could. I've watched the work that made this milestone possible — the late nights, early texts, weekend detours, and countless events — and I couldn't be prouder. The full interview is a fun read ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gZs-r9Nm
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Kevin Lessard reposted thisKevin Lessard reposted thisFamily Fest is just days away! 🎉 Join us this Sunday at Central Green for an afternoon celebrating community, connection, and summer fun. Guests can enjoy live music, local food, family-friendly activities, and a special appearance from the Philadelphia Phillies’ Phanatic. 📍 Rouse BLVD & Intrepid AVE ⏰ June 28th, 12–5 PM This free community event brings neighbors, families, and friends together for an afternoon of entertainment and activities for all ages. Register today for event updates and additional details: https://bit.ly/4uPs8bu 📸 Albert Lee #FamilyFest #NavyYardPHL #Philadelphia #CommunityEngagement
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Kevin Lessard reposted thisKevin Lessard reposted this2026 won't just happen to Philadelphia. It will happen for Philadelphia. That's the standard we set on day one for America's 250th in the nation's birthplace. Go behind the scenes of the work my colleagues and partners are bringing to life this year: https://lnkd.in/eNDPF-3v Two years in, it looks like 60+ partners, $30M in community grants as part of a $120M investment, a robust set of programs across neighborhoods, the largest free concert in America, a national time capsule sealed until 2276 — and the kid in Kensington or Mayfair who'll remember the celebrations and block parties happened in their own backyard, too. Thanks to Laura Swartz and Philadelphia magazine for the feature.
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Kevin Lessard reposted thisKevin Lessard reposted thisMore jobs. More investment. More momentum at the Navy Yard. Today's announcement by Governor Josh Shapiro and URBN (Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie Group, Free People & Nuuly) underscores the strength of the Navy Yard as a destination for business growth and job creation. As one of our largest employers expands its commitment to Philadelphia, the benefits extend beyond a single company—supporting our workforce, attracting future investment, and strengthening the city's economy. We're proud to see another Navy Yard company continue to grow and invest in its future here. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g94gRKjV #NavyYardPHL #EconomicDevelopment #JobGrowthGov Shapiro Secures Major New Investment from Urban Outfitters, Inc.Gov Shapiro Secures Major New Investment from Urban Outfitters, Inc.
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Kevin Lessard reposted thisKevin Lessard reposted thisI'm delighted to invite my LI friends who are interested in economic development to attend The Pew Charitable Trusts's in-person event about an important topic: Growing and Diversifying Philadelphia’s Small Businesses. It'll happen Wednesday June 10, 9a-11a, in University City. Register at the link here: https://lnkd.in/eVDWWiPC. Space is limited. Philadelphia and other cities have seen a historic level of small-business formation since the COVID-19 pandemic. But the shift differs by race, ethnicity, and sex in each city. Pew will present demographic data and a panel of distinguished experts will discuss the implications: Kersy Azocar of Greenline Access Capital, Jodie Harris of PIDC, Brian Oglesby of EMSDC, and Lee Huang formerly of Econsult Solutions. Hope to see you there!
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Kevin Lessard reposted thisKevin Lessard reposted thisSEPTA Bus Route 45 is coming to the Navy Yard, marking a significant step forward in improving access and commuting options. Starting this August, there will be a daily one-seat transit connection between Center City and the Navy Yard. For our employees, residents, and visitors, we’re excited to partner with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to make transportation more sustainable and accessible to everyone. Stay tuned this summer for updates on stops, schedules, and route details! 🔗 For more information about this important milestone, click the link: https://bit.ly/4uDFCXz #NavyYardPHL #TransportationUpdate #SEPTA
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Kevin Lessard reposted thisKevin Lessard reposted thisThe Navy Yard is constantly evolving — and we’re bringing together the leaders helping shape its future. Join NAIOP Greater Philadelphia for our next Executive Speaker Series, The Navy Yard: An Ecosystem in Motion on Tuesday, June 9 from 8:30–10:00 AM in The Navy Yard. Hear from industry leaders as they discuss the momentum, partnerships, and investment driving one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic mixed-use campuses. Featuring: • Dylan Langley, PIDC • Emilie Pelletier, Orchestra Life Sciences • Kelly Whitaker, Hanwha Philly Shipyard • Glenn Ward, Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division • Moderated by Nelson Way of Ensemble Members attend FREE | Non-Members: $100 Join us: https://lnkd.in/eJ7FieF7 #NAIOPPHL
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Kevin Lessard reposted thisKevin Lessard reposted thisPhiladelphia’s small businesses are getting ready for a once-in-a-generation moment — and PIDC was proud to partner with Visit Philadelphia and Miles Partnership to help local business owners learn practical strategies to strengthen their digital presence and connect with visitors. The energy in the room was inspiring, and the conversations around marketing, storytelling, and positioning Philly businesses for success made this such a valuable event. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the discussion about how we can make the most of this historic moment together. Couldn’t make it? Check out the key takeaways and resources from the session⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eBxGpFKu 📷 Anthony Zwarchy #America250 #SupportSmallBusiness #PhiladelphiaSmallBusiness
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Appreciate the amazing partnership we have between PIDC, Navy Yard Philadelphia, and The Skills Initiative, helping make great news like this happen and move our city forward!
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Kevin Lessard liked thisKevin Lessard liked thisFrom Rocky to local makers, Philadelphia has a undeniable spirit. We wanted travelers to feel that the second they step off the plane, which is why we are thrilled to welcome the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation to PHL with a new location in Terminal A-West. Travelers can pick up Pennsylvania travel information, browse local merchandise (including a few Rocky favorites), send a complimentary postcard before takeoff, or stop by after snapping a photo with the airport's new Rocky statue. For visitors, it's a chance to start experiencing Philadelphia before they leave the terminal. For those heading out of town, it's a reminder of everything that makes this city and Commonwealth special. Thoughtful additions like this help make an airport feel more connected to the community it serves. Thank you to Kathryn Ott Lovell and Sudha Suryadevara at the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation as well as Anne Ryan and Courtney Custer at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for partnering with us to bring this space to life. (Always a huge thanks to the PHL Food & Shops team, and Dave Rosenblum for the photos)
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Kevin Lessard liked thisWhat a week!Kevin Lessard liked thisFor years, Hanwha Philly Shipyard and The Skills Initiative have worked side by side to create pathways for Philadelphians to build rewarding careers in shipbuilding. Together, we're not just filling jobs—we're investing in people and building the skilled workforce that will support the future of the American maritime industry. That's why yesterday's announcement that JPMorganChase is investing in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, including $2 million in expanded support for The Skills Initiative, is such an exciting milestone for our region. That investment will help expand the type of workforce development that's already making a difference through programs like The Skills Initiative's Welder B Program, which is funded by the City of Philadelphia and prepares participants for careers at Hanwha Philly Shipyard. And we're excited to continue that momentum with a new Welder Training Program beginning August 31. Designed jointly by Hanwha Philly Shipyard and The Skills Initiative, the 14-week program combines professional development, classroom instruction, and hands-on welding training to prepare Philadelphia residents for full-time careers at the Shipyard, with applications open through Friday, July 24. We were also honored to welcome JPMorganChase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon to Hanwha Philly Shipyard yesterday, where he toured our Training Academy and learned more about our workforce development efforts and our commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled shipbuilders. The Skills Initiative has been an outstanding partner in helping connect Philadelphians with life-changing career opportunities while strengthening the workforce our industry depends on. We're grateful for their partnership and look forward to continuing this work together to create even more opportunities for Philadelphia residents and strengthen the future of American shipbuilding. #HanwhaPhillyShipyard #HPSI #SkillsInitiative #JPMorganChase #NavyYard
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Kevin Lessard liked thisKevin Lessard liked thisToday, Hanwha Philly Shipyard proudly celebrated another major milestone with the christening of the Lone Star State, the latest National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV). The ceremony brought together leaders from across government, industry, and maritime education, including Hanwha Philly Shipyard CEO David Kim, TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon, ship sponsor Rachel Campos-Duffy, Col. Michael Fossum of Texas A&M Maritime Academy, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. During the ceremony, Director Vought announced that Hanwha Philly Shipyard and TOTE Services have been selected to deliver the Missile Defense Agency's new Missile Range Instrumentation Vessels (MRIV). Built in Philadelphia, these next-generation vessels will support the nation's missile defense capabilities while building on the proven success of the NSMV program. Following remarks from Secretary Duffy, Mrs. Rachel Campos-Duffy officially christened the Lone Star State by carrying out the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony. Today's milestones reflect the continued success of the NSMV program and the momentum it has created. As the Lone Star State prepares to support maritime training, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and other national service missions, the newly announced MRIV program builds on that same proven production line, skilled workforce, and public-private partnership to further strengthen America's maritime and defense capabilities. We are grateful to our government, industry, and maritime education partners for their continued collaboration as we deliver vessels that serve our nation today while helping shape the future of American shipbuilding. #HanwhaPhillyShipyard #HPSI #Shipbuilding #MaritimeLeadership
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Kevin Lessard reacted on thisKevin Lessard reacted on thisWhat a week for our partners at Navy Yard Philadelphia! On Tuesday, we launched our next Navy Yard at the Skills Initiative recruitment, built in partnership with Hanwha Philly Shipyard to train welders for maritime roles. Applications are open through July 24th at this link: https://lnkd.in/eHe2DGy On Wednesday, members of our staff attended an event to announce $24 million in funding from JPMorganChase to support shipbuilding in Philadelphia, including $2 million to extend and expand our longstanding workforce partnership with the Navy Yard, with a specific focus on supporting Hanwha Philly Shipyard to build out its workforce. And then today, we were back at the Navy Yard for the christening of the TS Lone Star State, a 524-foot National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) built by Hanwha Philly Shipyard to serve as a training ship for the Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston for federal and state emergency efforts, humanitarian assistance, and to serve as a disaster relief asset.
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Kevin Lessard reacted on thisKevin Lessard reacted on thisI don’t post often, but today’s moment in Philadelphia makes me proud. I led the development of the grant slate that supports JPMorganChase’s announcement of $24 million to strengthen shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing in Philadelphia—connecting workforce pathways, supplier readiness, and regional collaboration to national security and resilience priorities. I’m especially grateful to the colleagues who did so much of the behind-the-scenes work: Anne Spencer, Jordan Elliott, Laura Mutis, En Jung Kim, Olivia Pipitone, Michelle Egan, Daniel Ramirez, Audrey B., Sandie B., Kathryn Sommers, Michael Perry, Riya Lakkaraju. This effort took real alignment across industry, training providers, economic development leaders, and community organizations—and a lot of translation from ambition to outcomes: skills training, stronger support for maritime small-business suppliers, and more durable, business-led regional collaboration. The real measure of success, though, isn’t the announcement—it’s whether more Philadelphians without a college degree can access stable, family-sustaining jobs and whether small local businesses, including underserved businesses, can participate in the region's long-term growth. I’m grateful to the partners in community doing the day-to-day work to turn investment into opportunity for people who are working hard yet still struggle to achieve the American Dream. Cherelle Parker, City of Philadelphia, Sarah Steltz, Cait Garozzo, Morgan Rogers Burns, A.J. Adams, Chellie Cameron, Claire Marrazzo Greenwood, Soledad Alfaro, Jodie H., Kate McNamara, Jennifer Crowther, Christopher J. Scafario, Jim Donahue.‘Arsenal of democracy’: Jamie Dimon announces $24 million effort to boost American shipbuilding‘Arsenal of democracy’: Jamie Dimon announces $24 million effort to boost American shipbuilding
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Kevin Lessard liked thisKevin Lessard liked thisFor years, Hanwha Philly Shipyard and The Skills Initiative have worked side by side to create pathways for Philadelphians to build rewarding careers in shipbuilding. Together, we're not just filling jobs—we're investing in people and building the skilled workforce that will support the future of the American maritime industry. That's why yesterday's announcement that JPMorganChase is investing in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, including $2 million in expanded support for The Skills Initiative, is such an exciting milestone for our region. That investment will help expand the type of workforce development that's already making a difference through programs like The Skills Initiative's Welder B Program, which is funded by the City of Philadelphia and prepares participants for careers at Hanwha Philly Shipyard. And we're excited to continue that momentum with a new Welder Training Program beginning August 31. Designed jointly by Hanwha Philly Shipyard and The Skills Initiative, the 14-week program combines professional development, classroom instruction, and hands-on welding training to prepare Philadelphia residents for full-time careers at the Shipyard, with applications open through Friday, July 24. We were also honored to welcome JPMorganChase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon to Hanwha Philly Shipyard yesterday, where he toured our Training Academy and learned more about our workforce development efforts and our commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled shipbuilders. The Skills Initiative has been an outstanding partner in helping connect Philadelphians with life-changing career opportunities while strengthening the workforce our industry depends on. We're grateful for their partnership and look forward to continuing this work together to create even more opportunities for Philadelphia residents and strengthen the future of American shipbuilding. #HanwhaPhillyShipyard #HPSI #SkillsInitiative #JPMorganChase #NavyYard
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Kevin Lessard liked thisKevin Lessard liked thisDVIRC President and CEO Christopher J. Scafario spoke with Billy Penn at WHYY about the $24 million JPMorganChase investment in Philadelphia shipbuilding and what it means for the region's workforce. With Rhoads Industries expanding at the Navy Yard, Hanwha Group scaling up, and billions in new contracts flowing to Philadelphia manufacturers, the demand for skilled workers is real and growing. DVIRC is proud to be part of the effort, including a new grant alongside PIDC to provide technical assistance to up to 100 commercial maritime suppliers. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/e5XqD2hv #Manufacturing #Shipbuilding #Philadelphia #Workforce
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Education
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Publications
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User engagement with online news: Conceptualizing interactivity and exploring the relationship between online news videos and user comments
New Media and Society
See publicationCo-authored with Thomas Ksiazek and Limor Peer, professors at Villanova University and Yale University, respectively.
Honors & Awards
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LGBTQ+ Power Players
Metro Philadelphia
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Pennsylvania Pride Power 100
City & State PA
Recognized as the 32nd most influential LGBTQ+ figure in PA alongside impactful leaders from across the Commonwealth.
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40 Under 40
City & State PA
Recognized as a 40 Under 40 Honoree
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LGBTQ+ Power Players
Metro Philadelphia
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Pennsylvania Pride Power 100
City & State PA
Recognized as the 29th most influential LGBTQ+ figure in PA alongside impactful leaders from across the Commonwealth.
Organizations
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Public Relations Society of America
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Ready.Set.Philly!
Advisor
A collaborative civic initiative to safely bring people back to their workplaces and all the things they love about Philly.
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