Introducing the Candidates Running in 2016's NAS Elections

On Tuesday, February 23rd SKCP is hosting a public meeting for people to meet the candidates currently in the running to join our Neighborhood Advisory Sub-Commitee (NAS). Each will have a few minutes to speak as well as field a question or two. We also asked each candidate to submit a short biography, so people who cannot make the meeting can get to know them as well.

And don't forget to stop by the Finanta Building between 4pm and 8pm on Tuesday, March 1st to cast your vote!

Corey Bell

Corey Bell's entree into South Kensington began in 2009 working as an economic developer supporting small businesses along Girard Ave. An academic background in City Planning coupled with local political savviness are two strengths Corey lends to support neighborhood development. In his spare time, Corey enjoys playing tennis, bicycling, and trying new foods.

Ximena Flores

Ximena attended Michigan (Go Blue!) where she studied Political Science and Peace and Social Justice and took an active role in several grassroots organizations and neighborhood development coalitions in various Detroit neighborhoods. In 2010, Ximena moved to Philadelphia for law school. She fell in love with Philadelphia's culture, art/music/food scene and community -- so much so that last year she purchased her first home, together with her boyfriend, on N.Hope street, where they live with their golden, Bernie and two cats, Layla and Earl. Her love for Philadelphia (and her family) propelled her to join SKCP's NAS to help make South Kensington a better place to live and work. Ximena is confident that her personal and professional experiences will benefit the advisory board and she can't wait to see our community grow to its full potential!

Tom Gallo

Tom Gallo is a Temple University graduate that has lived in the area since 2006. He believes in the potential of the neighborhood and wants to focus on keeping the streets clean. He works in the financial industry as a Project Manager and lives on 6th and Cecil B Moore with his girlfriend and their two dogs and cat.

Sarah Gearhart

Sarah moved to South Kensington in 2004 and enjoys the diversity and the familial atmosphere of our community.  She has a deep understanding of our neighborhood’s history and she wants to work with the NAS to ensure that our neighborhood retains its character, and its longterm residents, as it grows.  Sarah is a Ph.D. candidate in Temple University’s Urban Education program and possesses a variety of skills that will greatly benefit the NAS. 

Ian Abovitz

Ian Abovitz was born and raised just north of the city, in Bucks County, but left the burbs behind for good and moved to Philly when he started law school at Temple about 10 years ago.  Ian lives with my wife,  their dog, and six cats (his wife is a sucker for strays) at their home in South Kensington purchased almost 3 years ago.  When they chose the neighborhood, they recognized its potential and it is amazing to see how much it has grown in just a short time.  Ian works as a trial attorney at the law firm of Stark & Stark with offices in Bucks County and Philadelphia and looks forward to the opportunity to play an active role in the growth of our great neighborhood.

Josephine Quinones

Josephine has lived in South Kensington for 20 years and recently completed a two year term of service as a member of the NAS. She admires the commitment people who live in South Kensington have toward making the neighborhood a vibrant, positive place to live, is fluent in Spanish as well as English, and is interested in neighbor relations and event planning.

Jeremiah Lewis

Jeremiah, originally from Northern California’s Bay Area, settled in the South Kensington community in 2012. He owns a home in the neighborhood and works out of the Philadelphia office at KPMG, where he is part of the Lighthouse: Data & Analytics group focusing on Healthcare & Life Sciences. One of the reasons he bought his home in South Kensington was to be part of a neighborhood that takes care of and supports one another, qualities he has only seen strengthen in the three years since his arrival. Jeremiah is excited to show his pride in the community by becoming a member of SKCP's NAS.