At a time when the City of Philadelphia faces hundreds of millions of dollars of a budget gap while rushing to offer local businesses funding relief amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a transition in its top biz-supporting entity is set to take place: Mayor Jim Kenney announced last week that Michael A. Rashid will become the Department of Commerce’s next director, succeeding Sylvie Gallier Howard, who has held the role of acting commerce director since March.

He’s currently president of Michael A. Rashid Associates and brings experience as CEO of both AmeriHealth Caritas and Total Health Care in Baltimore to his role. He also served on the Obama administration’s National Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities from 2013 to 2015.

“Michael Rashid brings an unmatched combination of entrepreneurial passion, long-standing relationships, and a business savvy that will be crucial for Philadelphia as we confront the extraordinarily challenging economic climate facing our city,” Kenney said in a statement.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE