PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney today accepted the resignation of Chief of Staff Jane Slusser and announced the appointment of James Engler, currently Deputy Mayor for Policy and Legislation, to succeed Slusser as Chief of Staff.
“I accept Jane Slusser’s resignation with great regret, for she brought a fresh perspective and tireless work ethic to city government that helped us achieve many of our Administration’s greatest successes over the past few years,” said Mayor Kenney. “Jane has helped lead this Administration — and the City — to new heights, whether it was expanding quality pre-K, standing up to the Trump administration, or returning our schools to local control. I will miss Jane’s insight, unwavering discipline, and infectious enthusiasm for the hard work of improving the lives of Philadelphians. I am confident that she has laid a strong foundation that will allow our administration to continue to build on our early successes.”
“I’m thrilled to select Jim Engler as my new Chief of Staff,” said the Mayor. “I have always tried hard to attract the smartest and most talented staff, and recognize the need to empower them and listen to them. Jim Engler is a perfect example of this. Over the past half-decade, I’ve come to depend on his advice and judgment on the most complex issues facing our city. He understands the needs of every Philadelphia neighborhood and community like no one I’ve ever met. His intelligence, thoroughness, instinct, and attention to detail are unmatched. I’m confident that as Chief of Staff, Jim will tackle Philadelphia’s challenges with the same tireless dedication and acumen that he has demonstrated throughout his entire career.”
As Chief of Staff, Jane Slusser has served as senior advisor to the Mayor since the beginning of his term. In the administration’s first year, she oversaw the efforts to make Philadelphia the first major city to pass a beverage tax to fund anti-poverty initiatives including expansion of quality pre-k, creation of community schools, and Rebuild. In 2017, Slusser spearheaded Philadelphia’s response to the Trump administration’s attacks on LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, the Affordable Care Act, affordable housing, the environment, labor, and worked to uphold the City’s welcoming immigration policies.
Internally, Slusser focused on the city’s diversity and inclusion efforts and improvements to the City’s HR system including most recently leading the team to update the City’s sexual harassment policies. Over the last year, Slusser helped successfully manage the end to 17 years of state control of Philadelphia schools and transitioned the School District of Philadelphia to local control with a Mayoral-appointed Board of Education.
“It has been an absolute honor to serve Mayor Kenney, whose passion for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable communities and commitment to improving the lives of all Philadelphians has inspired me every day. I will miss serving in his administration alongside so many passionate and dedicated public servants who care deeply for their city and its residents,” Slusser said. “I have never met a greater or more gifted public servant than Jim Engler and I am confident that he will continue to push this administration to boldly tackle the big challenges that we must meet head on in order to make Philadelphia a better place for future generations.”
Jim Engler has served as Deputy Mayor for Policy and Legislation since January 2016. In this role, Engler served as a senior liaison between the Mayor’s Office and City Council, helping secure passage of key legislative priorities, like the Philadelphia Beverage Tax and the City’s Rebuild program. Engler was also responsible for developing the Administration’s policy priorities and working with stakeholders inside and outside of government to advance those goals. Additionally, Engler has served as the Mayor’s appointee to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation, the Board that oversees the Philadelphia Gas Works.
“It has been a true honor to serve with, and learn from, Jane Slusser over the past two and half years. Never one to stray from a challenge, no matter the odds, Jane’s impact on City government will be felt for years to come,” said Engler. “I am also honored to be selected by the Mayor to continue to serve him in this new role, and I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated members of City government, and stakeholders across the City, to advance our ambitious goals.”
Before joining the Administration, Engler served as policy director of the Mayor’s 2015 campaign, and Legislative Director for then-Councilman Kenney. During that time, Engler crafted legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, to reform and restructure demolition and construction safety regulations after the building collapse at 22nd and Market, and to help protect Philadelphia’s undocumented immigrant population by ending the City’s cooperation with ICE holds. Engler is a graduate of Villanova University and the Beasley School of Law at Temple University.
Slusser’s resignation is effective on August 10, 2018 and Engler will begin serving as Chief of Staff immediately thereafter.