Darcela & Alex Welcome

“A reliable and resilient electric grid is fundamental to economic development. When we strengthen our grid, we strengthen our city.” -Darcela Maignan

Meet Darcela Maignan

Please join us in welcoming Darcela Maignan, who has joined PIDC as Assistant General Manager of the Navy Yard’s Electric Utility.

Darcela brings deep experience from the Energy & Utilities sector, where she has spent her career supporting Philadelphia’s major energy providers, including Philadelphia Gas Works and PECO. Most recently, she worked at Gannett Fleming Valuation & Rates (GFT), providing energy advisory services to utility companies across North America. Her background blends engineering and project management, with a focus on optimizing performance, aligning strategy with execution, and making complex systems work better for both people and organizations.

In her new role at the Navy Yard, Darcela supports the operational excellence and long-term strategic development of the Navy Yard’s Electric Utility. She is especially excited about the opportunity to work within the Navy Yard’s unregulated electric grid, which combines the rigor and high standards of regulated utilities with the flexibility to pursue innovative solutions.

“A reliable and resilient electric grid is fundamental to economic development. When we strengthen our grid, we strengthen our city,” Darcela shared.

This unique environment allows Darcela to help advance innovative capital projects, smart infrastructure investments, and a future-ready energy ecosystem—all in service of fueling economic growth for Philadelphia.

Beyond her professional work in energy and utilities, Darcela is deeply passionate about developing the next generation of leaders. In honor of her late husband, she and her daughter, Malia, founded the William Maignan Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underrepresented STEM students and early professionals through scholarships, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

And if you’re looking for a fun conversation starter, Darcela’s go-to Two Truths & a Lie is always a hit: she was a college mascot, has climbed the Eiffel Tower twice, and has been inside a manhole. You’ll have to meet her to find out which one isn’t true.

“I look forward to working on new initiatives that strengthen access, bring new public art, and serve the people and businesses that make the Navy Yard thrive.” – Alex Smith

Meet Alex Smith

We’re also excited to welcome Alex Smith as the Navy Yard’s new Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. In this role, Alex will help guide campus-wide projects that enhance infrastructure, public spaces, and the overall experience for employees, visitors, and residents—while strengthening the Navy Yard’s role as a major economic engine in South Philadelphia.

Alex joins PIDC from the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Planning and Development, where he served as Director of the Philadelphia Art Commission and Urban Design Division. 

At the Navy Yard, Alex is most excited to advance initiatives that improve access, create new places, expand public art, and support business growth across the campus. By aligning these efforts with stakeholder needs and the Navy Yard’s 2022 Plan, he looks forward to helping shape new investments and expand opportunities for all who live, work and play there.

“I am extremely excited to join PIDC and the Navy Yard team, helping to support PIDC’s mission of driving inclusive, sustainable growth, through thoughtful development and investment,” said Alex “I look forward to working on new initiatives that strengthen access, bring new public art, and serve the people and businesses that make the Navy Yard thrive. The Navy Yard is a uniquely special place, and I look forward to being part of this amazing team and campus.”

Outside of work, Alex is a proud dog parent to Applesauce the Doodle, widely regarded (by Alex, at least) as the best dog with the best name.