by Navy Yard
September 22, 2026
Every day, thousands of people come to the Navy Yard to work, live, eat, walk, bike, attend an event, or simply enjoy the campus. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make all of that possible, and much of it starts with the people who work to shape the Navy Yard every day.
The People Behind the Big Picture
At the center is PIDC, Philadelphia’s economic development corporation, and the organization responsible for developing, managing, and advancing the Navy Yard. But PIDC’s role goes far beyond managing the campus. Our team is helping Philadelphia businesses find great spaces to grow, connecting residents to quality jobs through The Skills Initiative, investing in resilient infrastructure across the campus, expanding transit options, creating fun events, and planning for the Navy Yard’s continued growth.
That work takes a lot of people, partnerships, and coordination behind the scenes. While some projects are highly visible, much of the work happens long before a new building opens, a bus route launches, or an event begins.
The Work You Don’t Always See
Much of the work that keeps the Navy Yard running happens often before most people arrive for the day. PIDC coordinates the upkeep and improvement of the campus, from snow removal and pothole repairs to paving and larger infrastructure projects.
That behind-the-scenes work extends to the spaces people enjoy, too. Through its partnership with Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS), PIDC helps maintain the trees, gardens, and seasonal flowers found throughout the campus. With more than 2,000 trees and garden beds along the Delaware River waterfront, keeping the Navy Yard green and welcoming is a year-round effort.
“The Navy Yard is a special place in South Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is proud to play a role in caring for the beautiful landscapes and gardens throughout the campus,” said Tom Morris, VP of Public Gardens & Landscape Operations at PHS. “Our partnership allows us to bring elevated horticultural management to the campus while continuing to build on what makes it such a unique and welcoming place for employees, visitors, and the surrounding community. Throughout our partnership, it has been rewarding to see the landscape grow and evolve, and we look forward to continuing that work together into the future.
Meet the People You Can Call
Then there are the people you may interact with more directly.
The CBRE team works alongside PIDC on daily property management and tenant services, helping businesses navigate maintenance requests, campus notices, security, and Navy Yard Transit coordination, along with the other needs that come with operating on a 1,200-acre campus. Maulana Reddick has been a part of that work since 2012, helping manage the day-to-day details and serving as a familiar face for the businesses and teams across the Navy Yard.
“I really feel like I’m part of the Navy Yard and its story. I’ve had a front-row seat to see how much the Navy Yard has changed,” said Maulana Reddick, Real Estate Services Administrator at CBRE. “The Navy Yard is such a beautiful place to work, and I love the atmosphere. But honestly, it’s also the people that make it special. There’s a real camaraderie among the team, and there are always fun things happening around the office that make you look forward to coming to work.”
You may not think about utility operations that support a campus this size, but they’re another important part of the Navy Yard’s day-to-day infrastructure. Dominion Energy has provided electric utility operations and maintenance services at the Navy Yard since 2021, with an on-site team that supports customers across campus and responds to routine, urgent, and emergency service needs.
Transportation is another area where people are working behind the scenes to make getting to and around the Navy Yard easier. PIDC is continually exploring transportation solutions and coordinating with partners like SEPTA, which recently extended Bus Route 45 to the Navy Yard, and Yankee Line, whose team keeps Navy Yard Transit moving and helps riders with questions about routes and fares.
The People Bringing the Navy Yard to Life
And if you attended a Navy Yard event, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Jackie Dolopei, Navy Yard Events & Engagement Manager at PIDC. Jackie works with businesses, vendors, and community partners to turn ideas into experiences, from the Navy Yard 5K and Halloween Trunk-and-Treat Movie Night to new programs throughout the year.
“Transforming events here at the Navy Yard from concept to execution has its challenges, but in the end, the final product is priceless,” said Jackie Dolopei, Navy Yard Events & Engagement Manager at PIDC. “My goal is to make sure that people have a chance to experience the Navy Yard in new and innovative ways, from workshops to 5Ks.”
Want to get involved in an upcoming event or host an event at the Navy Yard? Reach out through our contact form.
It Takes A Community
There isn’t one person, team, or department responsible for everything you see at the Navy Yard. It’s a network of people with different jobs, responsibilities, and areas of expertise, all working toward the same place.
So the next time you see a Navy Yard Transit bus pull up, walk past a freshly planted garden, hear about a new business coming to the Navy Yard, or attend an event, take a second to think about the people behind it. There’s probably a story there you haven’t heard yet.
Stay Up to DateSee What’s Happening Across the Navy Yard
Want to learn more about the projects, programs, and campus updates happening across the Navy Yard? Visit our News & Blog for the latest stories and updates from campus.