Kathryn Ott Lovell is President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, which welcomed over 1.4 million visitors last year. Since joining the Visitor Center in July 2023, Lovell has introduced global brands like TKTS and The Sly Stallone Shop to Philadelphia’s visitor centers; welcomed ArtStar, a locally and women-owned and operated retail space featuring crafts and souvenirs from Philly-based artists and makers; and opened the Liberty Garden, a seasonal food and beverage concession in the Park. Lovell has also convened the Historic District Partners, a coalition of more than thirty historical and cultural institutions, to work together to increase visitation and resources to Independence National Historic Park and America’s most historic square mile. 

A civic leader and steadfast supporter of Philadelphia, Lovell served as Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation from 2016-2023.  As PPR commissioner, Lovell instituted the department’s first strategic plan, which established a renewed vision and set in motion a powerful trajectory toward an equitable and exceptional parks and recreation system that connects people to each other, enriching experiences, and the natural world. She has led innovative initiatives to activate Philly’s parks and engage residents and visitors city-wide including Enhanced PlayStreets, Swim Philly, The Oval+, Parks on Tap and the Philadelphia International Unity Cup soccer tournament. Ott Lovell has also spearheaded ambitious park projects including the transformation of FDR Park and the reimagining of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
 
Prior to joining Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Lovell served as executive director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, where she elevated the organization’s profile and ushered in a dramatic shift in its strategic vision, building a host of new programs, executing high-profile projects, and securing funding from an array of local and national funders. She also served as chief advancement officer for Mural Arts Philadelphia for six years, during a time of significant growth and programmatic shifts for the organization.