by Rachel Hazzard
July 17, 2025
Categories: Team Members,
As PIDC continues to evolve and grow to meet market needs, we’re excited to introduce the newest additions to our team! These accomplished professionals bring valuable experiences and unique perspectives. Their insights and expertise will help strengthen our work citywide as we continue to support Philadelphia’s business community, drive meaningful development across the city, and create quality jobs for residents.
We’re also proud to welcome a new cohort of interns. These emerging professionals are eager to learn and ready to contribute. Over the coming months, they’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside our team to support businesses, nonprofits, and developers across every corner of the city.
Together, these new additions reflect our ongoing investment in both the future of our organization and the future of Philadelphia.
Staff
Sakinah Hill
Hometown:
Glassboro, NJ
Role at PIDC:
Financial Services & Client Engagement
Executive Assistant
What role will you play in helping PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia?
I will bring calm to the hustle, help keep gears turning and the PIDC mission moving forward—one calendar invite, and coffee fueled email at a time.
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
It’s a diverse city with a lot of soul—where history and innovation walk hand in hand, the vibrant arts community and food scene are top notch, and every block tells a story. Last but not least location, location, location!
Clifford Sumpter
Hometown:
Norristown, PA
Role at PIDC:
Business Development
Relationship Manager, Business Lending
What role will you play in helping PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia?
My work centers on building strong, trust-based relationships with entrepreneurs across the city to better understand their needs and help identify the right solutions. I work closely with business owners, developers, and nonprofits to provide lending support and strategic insight, with the goal of fueling growth and economic opportunity for all. I view every conversation as a chance to listen, support, and take action needed to ensure that businesses not only survive, but thrive.
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
Much like me, Philadelphia is built on grit, rich culture, and a whole lot of heart. It’s where history meets hustle, and innovation is rooted in purpose. Across every neighborhood, servant leaders lay the foundation for meaningful progress. This city’s diversity, resilience, and unwavering sense of community make it not just a great place to work, but a powerful place to grow, lead, and serve.
Tom Stofko
Hometown:
Buffalo, NY
Role at PIDC:
Information Technology
Business Solutions Analyst
What role will you play in helping PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia?
I will help to drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia by working across internal business units to identify and close functional gaps in technology and processes, allowing our team to serve the community more efficiently.
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
I can walk everywhere and get any type of cuisine within a half mile of my residence.
Sandra (“Sandy”) D. Thomas
Hometown:
Philadelphia, PA
Role at PIDC:
Portfolio Management
VP of Portfolio Management
What role will you play in helping PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia?
As the VP of Portfolio Management, I will help to ensure that our team aids existing clients to understand the ongoing requirements of their loans and receive timely service, and provide informative reporting to internal and external partners. While doing so, we may identify additional client engagement and financing support opportunities to expand that relationship and thus help PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
Its diverse culture (the arts, restaurants, music, etc.) and citizens who are passionate about everything they do. This creates a global attraction.
Nicole Stokes
Hometown:
Chester, PA
Role at PIDC:
Legal Services
Attorney
What role will you play in helping PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia?
I’ll primarily support PIDC as a contracting and regulatory compliance attorney. My role in helping PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia will center on ensuring that our economic development initiatives are legally sound, executed, and properly implemented. I hope to assist with strengthening our contracting and compliance systems, while ensuring resources are delivered efficiently and in alignment with PIDC’s mission.
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
It’s home. My family is from Philly, so I grew up appreciating its culture. The city is rich in history, grounded in community, and vibrant in its diversity. From block parties to museums to neighborhood festivals, there’s always been so much to experience and celebrate. Being able to contribute to its growth—especially in neighborhoods that hold personal meaning—is both a privilege and a full-circle moment.
Interns
Rujie Cheng
Hometown:
Shanghai, China
Role at PIDC:
Navy Yard
GIS & Planning Summer Intern
What are you hoping to learn during your internship?
I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how planning projects are initiated, evaluated, and implemented in real-world contexts. I am particularly interested in how planners apply data and professional expertise to support equitable resource allocation and address the needs of various communities. I am also excited to learn more about PIDC’s organizational structure and its efforts to drive economic growth to every corner of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
It blends historic charm with the energy of a growing, diverse city. The walkable streets and convenient public transit make it easy to explore unique shops, vibrant neighborhoods, and everything the city has to offer.
Chinyere Ihejirika
Hometown:
Sharon Hill, PA
Role at PIDC:
Client Engagement & Business Support
Intern
What are you hoping to learn during your internship?
During this internship, I hope to hone my entrepreneurial skills and knowledge about business, marketing, etc. I hope to see how business works in real time from both the engagement and legal sides. I hope to learn how to operate in a working environment as well as to further define my future career path(s) in law and business as those are my passions.
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
Philly is a very diverse city with a very homey feeling that I love. I may not have been born and raised in the city, but I would say that with my close proximity, it is engraved in my everyday life and activities growing up. The family and vibes that this city has created are unmatched and I would never miss a moment to be a part of it.
Colin McCrossan
Hometown:
Ardmore, PA
Role at PIDC:
Legal Services
Legal Intern
What are you hoping to learn during your internship?
I’m hoping to learn about real estate/property law, finance, and corporate compliance.
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
It’s historic, diverse, and walkable.
Adonis McGee
Hometown:
Bloomfield, NJ
Role at PIDC:
Financial Services
NMTC Intern
What are you hoping to learn during your internship?
Over the course of my internship, I have been learning how New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) deals are structured, from allocation applications to closing, and how different stakeholders (Community Development Entities, investors, and borrowers) collaborate.
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
Of its rich cultural diversity and strong sense of community. The city thrives on the dynamic interactions between people from all walks of life—whether it’s through historic neighborhoods, global cuisine, festivals, or workplaces.
Nayana Santana
Hometown:
Lancaster, PA
Role at PIDC:
Marketing, Communications & Government Affairs
Marketing & Communications Intern
What are you hoping to learn during your internship?
I’m hoping to learn how to effectively engage with the Philly community over socials by creating interactive content and I am super excited to interact with the community and other staff!
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
It has everything you could ever need: endless entertainment, amazing food, public transportation, and amazing people!
Pei Schlosberg
Hometown:
Yardley, PA
Role at PIDC:
Navy Yard
Navy Yard Marketing, Communications, & Engagement Intern
What are you hoping to learn during your internship?
I’m excited to learn how PIDC blends strategy and storytelling to market the Navy Yard in a way that makes people genuinely want to be there. I want to understand how a narrative can bring a place to life and create a community hub, not just a destination.
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
The feeling of community in Philadelphia is unmatched. I love that Philly has so much to do and see. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant, going to a Phillies game, or just walking around a new neighborhood, there’s always something to explore.
Jonathan Mosenco
Hometown:
Lower Merion, PA
Role at PIDC:
Capitalization & Impact
Economic Development Intern
What are you hoping to learn during your internship?
I’m really excited to learn more about impact investing. Growing up near University City and now studying at Penn, I’m very aware of the deep inequality that exists just blocks apart, especially in West Philadelphia. I’d love to better understand how investment and development can help bridge those gaps and support more inclusive growth across the city.
Philadelphia is a great place to work and live because…
I’ve lived in and around Philly my whole life, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. The energy of the city is amazing, especially when it comes to sports. I’m a lifelong Sixers, Eagles, and Phillies fan. The food scene is also incredible—there’s always a new place to try. And even though it’s a big city, it still feels like a community where people look out for each other.
Join Our Team!
View career opportunities at PIDC and help us drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia.
Read more about other PIDC team members
July 17, 2025
Meet PIDC’s New Team Members – Summer 2025
As PIDC continues to evolve and grow to meet market needs, we’re excited to introduce the newest additions to our team! These accomplished professionals bring valuable experiences and unique perspectives. Their insights and expertise will help strengthen our work citywide as we continue to support Philadelphia’s business community, drive meaningful development across the city, and
Read MoreApril 11, 2025
If Our Pets Worked at PIDC, What Paw-sitions Would They Have?
Have you ever looked at your pet and wondered what kind of job they’d have? Us too! In honor of National Pet Day, we imagined a world where our furry friends joined us at PIDC. From Paw-sident of Operations to Cat-italization and Impact Coordinators, we’re sure our animal companions would bring their A-game to help
Read MoreMarch 17, 2025
Celebrating the Women of PIDC Who Drive Growth and Impact Across Philadelphia
At PIDC, the women who drive our mission forward are more than just professionals—they are leaders, innovators, teachers, and more. This Women’s History Month, we want to highlight them and their commitment to economic development, community impact, and business growth. We are extremely proud of the award-winning work that the women of PIDC do everyday.
Read More